The Maaz Sadaqat fifty that powered Pakistan’s chase against Sri Lanka was more than a match-winning knock. It was the 29-ball announcement of a young batter who looks ready for the international stage, struck under lights at a packed Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday night.
Chasing 183 in the opening T20I of the three-match series, Pakistan reached 187 for six in 18.5 overs to win by four wickets and take a 1-0 lead. Captain Sahibzada Farhan led with 89, but it was Sadaqat’s fearless half-century that kept the chase ahead of the rate when it mattered most.
Maaz Sadaqat fifty: how the innings unfolded
Sadaqat walked in after Fakhar Zaman fell for 21, with Pakistan 54 for one at the end of the powerplay. He needed no time to settle. He struck two sixes and a four off the first four balls he faced from Eshan Malinga, and the chase suddenly had a second engine.
He and Farhan added 92 runs for the second wicket off just 53 balls, a stand that broke Sri Lanka’s resistance. Sadaqat reached his fifty off 28 deliveries, decorated with four fours and three sixes, before falling to the very next ball, trapped leg-before by Maheesh Theekshana.
It was his first half-century in T20 internationals, and it arrived with the clean striking of a player in prime form. Sadaqat came into the series on the back of two hundreds in the Caribbean Premier League, and he batted like a man carrying that confidence into national colours.
Farhan leads from the front
The captain played the senior partner’s role superbly. Farhan’s 89 off 53 balls, with ten fours and four sixes, held the innings together through a late wobble. When Pakistan lost Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub in quick succession, Farhan counterattacked, taking 14 off a Nuwan Thushara over to drag the side close before falling with three runs needed.
Farhan, named player of the match, later backed the team’s aggressive approach, saying Pakistan would stay on the attack through the series.
Sri Lanka had posted a competitive 182 for eight, built around Lahiru Udara’s superb 91 off 55 balls with 11 fours and a six. Pakistan’s new-look pace attack shared the wickets, with Naseem Shah taking three for 36 and debutant Mohammad Imran claiming two for 21. Dushmantha Chameera reached 100 T20 wickets during the innings.
What the fifty means
Pakistan’s top order has been a revolving door in recent seasons, and a young left-hander who scores at nearly a run-a-ball strike rate of 172 while holding his nerve in a chase will have forced the selectors to take notice. With the series continuing in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Sadaqat has a swift chance to show Friday was a beginning rather than a one-off.
The result also underlined the value of the new captaincy setup, with Farhan’s attacking template producing a chase completed with seven balls to spare. Pakistan’s earlier T20I win over Sri Lanka in the week had already hinted at the direction, and Friday confirmed it.
Beyond this series, England’s arrival for the ODI tri-series later this month means places are under scrutiny across formats. Innings like Sadaqat’s do not guarantee selection, but they make dropping him a far harder call.
Frequently asked questions
How many runs did Maaz Sadaqat score against Sri Lanka?
Sadaqat scored 50 off 29 balls, his maiden T20I fifty, with four fours and three sixes. He reached the landmark off 28 deliveries.
What was the result of the first Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I?
Pakistan won by four wickets, chasing 183 to reach 187 for six in 18.5 overs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 2026, taking a 1-0 series lead.
Who was the player of the match?
Captain Sahibzada Farhan, for his 89 off 53 balls that anchored the chase.
When is the next match in the series?
The second T20I will be played at the same venue in Rawalpindi on Sunday, with the third to follow next Tuesday.
