Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka: Farhan Shines in 7-Wicket Win | Tri-Series 2023
Farhan’s Explosive Knock Propels Pakistan to Tri-Series Victory Over Sri Lanka
LAHORE, Pakistan – Sahibzada Farhan’s blistering 80 not out off just 45 balls powered Pakistan to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the ongoing tri-series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. The win consolidates Pakistan’s position at the top of the table, while Sri Lanka remain winless and face an uphill battle to salvage their campaign.
Pakistan’s Seam Attack Sets the Tone
The match began with Pakistan’s seamers immediately putting Sri Lanka under pressure. Faheem Ashraf, in particular, was impactful early on, dismissing Kamil Mishara – who had started aggressively with 22 off 11 balls – and triggering a crucial run-out of Kusal Mendis. This early incision restricted Sri Lanka to a sluggish 44 for 2 after the powerplay, effectively stifling their momentum. The disciplined bowling, focusing on hitting consistent lengths, prevented the Sri Lankan top order from establishing any significant partnerships. This tactical approach, prioritizing control over outright aggression, proved highly effective in limiting Sri Lanka’s scoring opportunities.
Nawaz’s Masterclass Chokes Sri Lankan Middle Order
Mohammad Nawaz then took centre stage, delivering a mesmerizing spell of left-arm spin that dismantled the Sri Lankan middle order. Nawaz finished with impressive figures of 3 for 16 from four overs, crucially not conceding a single boundary. His ability to vary pace and maintain relentless accuracy proved too much for the Sri Lankan batsmen. He first removed Kusal Perera with a delivery that breached his defence, then expertly dismissed Dasun Shanaka, and capped off his spell with the vital wicket of Kusal Mendis, caught brilliantly by Mohammad Wasim Jr. on the boundary. Wasim Jr.’s athleticism, regaining his balance after initially going over the rope, was a highlight of the fielding effort.
Editor’s note: A video of Mohammad Wasim Jr.’s catch can be found here.
Sri Lanka ultimately limped to 128 for 7, a total that always appeared insufficient against Pakistan’s powerful batting lineup. The Sri Lankan innings lacked any substantial partnerships, with Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 41 providing the only real resistance. Their struggles highlight a concerning trend: Sri Lanka have now suffered two heavy defeats in the series, raising questions about their preparation and adaptability to the Pakistani conditions.
Farhan’s Dominance Seals the Chase
Pakistan’s chase was largely dominated by Sahibzada Farhan, who showcased his aggressive intent from the outset. He reached his fifty in just 28 balls, peppering the boundary rope with five sixes and five fours. His ability to find gaps in the field and target the leg-spinners – particularly Wanindu Hasaranga and V Viyaskanth – was particularly noteworthy. He struck 23 off 12 balls against Hasaranga and 21 off 13 against Viyaskanth, demonstrating a clear understanding of his scoring zones and a willingness to take on the opposition bowlers. A 69-run partnership with Babar Azam further solidified Pakistan’s position, effectively taking the game away from Sri Lanka. Farhan’s unbeaten 80 came at a strike rate of 177.78, a testament to his aggressive approach and ability to accelerate the scoring rate. According to ESPNcricinfo, this is Farhan’s highest T20I score, surpassing his previous best of 76.
Sri Lanka’s Debutant and Tournament Outlook
Amidst the defeat, Sri Lanka did mark a significant moment with the debut of V Viyaskanth, a leg-spinner from the Jaffna peninsula. This marked the first time a player born and raised in Jaffna had represented Sri Lanka in a televised international match, breaking a historical barrier stemming from the region’s 27-year civil war. While Viyaskanth’s figures of 0 for 28 from four overs didn’t immediately impact the game, his inclusion represents a positive step towards greater inclusivity and regional representation within Sri Lankan cricket.
However, the broader picture remains bleak for Sri Lanka. Their net run rate is significantly worse than Pakistan and Bangladesh, and they need to win their remaining matches convincingly to have any chance of reaching the final. The team’s batting fragility and inconsistent bowling performance are major concerns that need to be addressed urgently. The ICC T20I rankings currently place Sri Lanka at 26th, and continued poor performances could see them slip further down the ladder. The financial implications of failing to progress in the tournament, including potential loss of sponsorship revenue and reduced broadcasting rights, are also a factor for the Sri Lankan cricket board to consider.
Pakistan, on the other hand, are in a commanding position. With two wins from two, they are firm favourites to reach the final. Their balanced squad, featuring a potent bowling attack and a dynamic batting lineup, makes them a formidable opponent for any team. The victory also provides a significant boost to team morale ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.