NEW DELHI: Pakistan kicked off the three match T20I series against Sri Lanka in emphatic fashion with a comfortable six wicket victory over the hosts in Dambulla.

After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bowl first and were rewarded instantly as Sri Lanka struggled to find any rhythm at the top of the order.

Sri Lanka struggle despite late resistance

The hosts endured a poor start as wickets fell regularly, leaving them reeling at 72 for 5 with none of their opening batters able to make a meaningful impact.

Some late resistance came through Janith Liyange Nige, who played a fighting knock of 40 off 31 balls, striking two fours and a six. Ravindhu Hasaranga chipped in with a brisk 18 to help Sri Lanka cross the 120 run mark.

However, the recovery was short lived as Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 128.

Pakistan’s bowlers were exceptional throughout the innings. Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed starred with the ball, picking up three wickets each and conceding very little as they kept the pressure on the batters.

Pakistan cruise in comfortable chase

In reply, Pakistan made light work of the chase. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saeem Ayub laid the foundation with a solid 59 run opening partnership that took the game away from the hosts early.

Farhan led the charge with a composed half century, scoring 51 off 36 deliveries with four fours and two sixes. Pakistan remained in complete control and finished the chase in 16.4 overs, losing four wickets.

There was little left for the Sri Lankan bowlers to defend as Pakistan sealed a dominant win to take a 1–0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka will look to bounce back in the second T20I, with the series proving crucial for both sides as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup just a couple of weeks away.