RAWALPINDI: Pakistan set Sri Lanka a target of 216 runs in the second T20 International after an explosive batting display, led by a career-best 96 from Muaz Sadaqat, at Rawalpindi on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis elected to field first, inviting Pakistan to bat. The Green Shirts capitalised on the opportunity, putting together an aggressive innings to push their total beyond the 200-run mark.
Sadaqat, Farhan Shine in 88-Run Partnership
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan and Muaz Sadaqat continued their impressive form from the previous match, building an 88-run partnership that strengthened Pakistan’s position.
Farhan scored a brisk 73 off 44 deliveries before being dismissed, providing Pakistan with a solid foundation.
Sadaqat, meanwhile, maintained the attacking momentum and came agonisingly close to a century. He smashed 96 off just 51 balls, including seven sixes and six fours, producing the best innings of his career.
The young batter was caught off the final delivery of the innings while attempting to hit a six that would have taken him to the three-figure mark.
His explosive knock proved instrumental in helping Pakistan post a formidable total and set Sri Lanka a challenging target.
Fakhar, Hasan Add Valuable Runs
Fakhar Zaman contributed 22 runs, while Hasan Nawaz added 19 to Pakistan’s total as the home side maintained its attacking approach throughout the innings.
Pakistan’s batting display put Sri Lanka under pressure ahead of the chase, with the visitors needing 216 runs to win the second T20I.
Three Changes for Sri Lanka, One for Pakistan
Speaking at the toss, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis confirmed that his side had made three changes to its playing XI.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan said his team had made one change, bringing in Salman Mirza in place of Razaullah.
Farhan acknowledged that the toss was beyond the team’s control and said Pakistan were prepared for any situation, emphasising the importance of the powerplay in T20 cricket.
With 216 runs to chase, Sri Lanka faced a demanding task against Pakistan, who had set up the contest with an aggressive batting performance led by Sadaqat’s outstanding innings.
