Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 82 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Maaz Sadaqat scored 96 and captain Sahibzada Farhan scored 73 as Pakistan posted its second highest total in Twenty20 cricket, 215-3.
Pakistan’s highest-ever T20 score is 232-6 against England in 2021. Mohammad Imran took 3-11 in four overs as Sri Lanka managed only 133-7.
Sri Lanka lost its third successive T20 series away from home. The team lost 2-1 in the West Indies and was swept 3-0 by England before coming to Pakistan.
The final game of the series will be played in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. England will join the two teams for the ODI tri-series, starting next Sunday.
Sri Lanka paid a heavy price for dropped catches, including a difficult chance from Farhan at mid-wicket and an easy catch when the Pakistan skipper was on 11.
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Theekshana caught Farhan in the 15th over, but couldn’t prevent Sadaqat from scoring 96. Eshan Malinga denied Sadaqat his century in the final over.
Sadaqat said he was trying to make the most of his form. He had belief in himself that he can hit the ball and play with positive intent and pick his balls to hit boundaries.
Imran destroyed Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, picking up three quick wickets of Jayawardene, Kusal Mendis, and Sahan Arachchige. Theekshana top-scored for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 32 off 26 balls.
Mendis said batters need to take responsibility, including himself. He noted it was a batting pitch, and they needed to score at least 200 runs. They have done well in terms of fielding in the last few tournaments, but unfortunately, they have not been up to the mark in the last two matches.
