Maaz Sadaqat’s 96, Imran Randhawa’s three wickets seal Pakistan’s T20I series

By Our Correspondent

RAWALPINDI: Maaz Sadaqat narrowly missed a maiden T20I century, smashing 96 off 51 balls, while Imran Randhawa produced a disciplined bowling performance as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second Twenty20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan posted 215-3 after being asked to bat first before restricting Sri Lanka to 133-7, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with one match remaining.

Both Sadaqat and Randhawa made decisive contributions in only their second T20I appearances, having debuted in Friday’s opening match. Sadaqat was named player of the match for his explosive batting display, while Randhawa’s three-wicket haul dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase.

Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan also played a pivotal role, scoring 73 off 44 balls to anchor the innings after the hosts made a relatively cautious start.

Sadaqat powers Pakistan to 215

Pakistan managed 46 runs during the powerplay, but Farhan and Sadaqat transformed the innings with an 88-run partnership for the second wicket.

Farhan struck four fours and five sixes, surviving a couple of reprieves before reaching his half-century off 32 deliveries. His innings provided the stability Pakistan needed to accelerate during the second half.

Sadaqat, who had scored a valuable half-century on debut, initially took time to settle. He survived a leading edge that fell short of cover and was dropped on 44 by Nuwan Thushara off his own bowling.

The left-hander capitalised on those opportunities, bringing up his fifty off 29 balls with a towering six over long-off against Maheesh Theekshana in the 15th over.

He then launched a ferocious assault on the Sri Lankan bowling attack, taking 22 runs from Theekshana’s final over with three sixes.

Combining powerful strokes with inventive shots, Sadaqat found boundaries on both sides of the wicket and repeatedly cleared the ropes as Pakistan accelerated towards a formidable total.

Farhan was dismissed by Dasun Shanaka in the 15th over after being caught at deep third for 73, but Sadaqat continued his charge alongside Hasan Nawaz.

Nawaz contributed an unbeaten 19 off nine deliveries, helping Pakistan collect 49 runs across the final three overs before the last.

Sadaqat reached 96 from 51 balls, hitting six fours and seven sixes. However, his attempt to guide Eshan Malinga’s final delivery behind point ended with Shanaka taking the catch at deep cover.

Although he fell four runs short of a century, his innings helped Pakistan finish at 215-3, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 216.

Randhawa tears through Sri Lanka’s batting

Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a poor start when Salman Mirza, returning to international cricket after an injury, dismissed Lahiru Udara for five in the opening over.

Randhawa then removed Sineth Jayawardena for 22 towards the end of the powerplay, beginning a decisive spell that prevented the visitors from building momentum.

The 29-year-old struck twice in the eighth over, dismissing Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis for nine and Sahan Arachchige for a duck off successive deliveries. Wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay completed both catches.

The double strike left Sri Lanka struggling at 49-4, with the required run rate climbing sharply.

Randhawa completed his four-over spell with three wickets for just 11 runs, conceding only five runs during his first two overs. His control and accuracy ensured Sri Lanka could not mount a serious challenge despite having wickets in hand earlier in the innings.

Saim Ayub dismissed Shanaka for nine, while Shadab Khan removed Kamindu Mendis for 23 to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 74-6.

Late resistance fails to revive Sri Lanka

Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Theekshana attempted to stabilise the innings with a 50-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Wickramasinghe scored 29 before falling to Salman Mirza, who finished with two wickets. Theekshana remained unbeaten on 32 off 26 balls, but the target had moved beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.

The visitors eventually finished at 133-7, falling 82 runs short of Pakistan’s total.

Pakistan look ahead to series finale

The victory secured Pakistan’s first series win under Farhan’s captaincy, with the hosts displaying strength in both batting and bowling.

Farhan praised his team’s improved six-hitting and attacking approach, while Sri Lanka captain Mendis acknowledged that his batters needed to take greater responsibility on a surface conducive to stroke-making.

Sadaqat’s explosive innings earned him the player-of-the-match award, but Randhawa’s economical spell proved equally important in converting Pakistan’s imposing total into a comprehensive victory.

Pakistan will now look to complete a clean sweep in the third and final T20I on Tuesday, while Sri Lanka will seek to finish the series with a consolation win.