RAWALPINDI: Pakistan T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan has backed his side to continue playing an attacking brand of cricket after the hosts defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan successfully chased down Sri Lanka’s 183-run target, reaching the finish line in the 19th over with four wickets to spare. Farhan led from the front with a match-winning 89 off 53 balls, striking 10 boundaries and four sixes, while Maaz Sadaqat provided crucial support with an impressive 50 off 29 deliveries, including four fours and three sixes.
Speaking after the match, Farhan praised his teammates for their contributions during the chase and expressed confidence that Pakistan would continue to adopt an aggressive approach in the shortest format.
“As I said, as a captain, I am very confident in my boys. The way they delivered, the way Fakhar got us off to a start, and then later on, Maaz supported me, I think we will continue to play T20 cricket in the same way,” Farhan said.
The Pakistan skipper highlighted the importance of maintaining positive intent with the bat, pointing to Fakhar Zaman’s early contribution and Sadaqat’s partnership during the middle phase of the innings as key factors in the successful chase.
Farhan assesses Pakistan’s bowling performance
While pleased with the result, Farhan acknowledged that Pakistan could have done better to restrict Sri Lanka to a lower total.
He credited his bowlers for their efforts during the powerplay and middle overs but admitted that the visitors managed to score more runs than Pakistan would have preferred.
“I think we did a reasonably good job in the middle, and especially our powerplay went really well. But we gave away a few too many runs in the middle. You know how T20 cricket is; sometimes things go one way, sometimes the other. But still, I think 180 was a good score on this wicket,” he said.
Despite conceding 182 runs, Pakistan’s batting response ensured that the hosts began the series with a victory.
Pakistan captain praises Maaz Sadaqat’s form
Farhan reserved special praise for Sadaqat, whose half-century proved vital in keeping the chase on course.
The captain stressed that players must capitalise on their form and make the most of opportunities when they are performing well.
“I think, given the kind of form Maaz is in, he is one of the best players at the moment. I told him to make the most of his form because it does not last forever. But, mashallah, I am very happy for him in his first T20 as captain,” Farhan added.
Sadaqat’s contribution complemented Farhan’s commanding innings, giving Pakistan the momentum needed to overcome Sri Lanka’s challenging total.
Debutant Mohammad Imran Randhawa impresses
The Pakistan captain also praised debutant Mohammad Imran Randhawa for his bowling performance, which yielded two important wickets.
Farhan said the team had confidence in the debutant because of his ability to bowl with the new ball and his experience in domestic cricket.
“I think the way he bowled was amazing, especially because we knew he was very good with the new ball. He has a lot of domestic cricket experience, so we were fully confident in him,” he said.
Pakistan will now aim to build on their opening victory when the two sides meet in the second T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 11.
With Farhan leading from the front and Sadaqat making a strong contribution, Pakistan will be looking to maintain their attacking approach and take a commanding lead in the series.
