Udara’s 91 lifts Sri Lanka to 182-8 against Pakistan in first T20I

Sri Lanka's Lahiru Udara scored a remarkable 91 runs to guide his team to 182-8, winning the toss in the inaugural match of a three-game Twenty20 International series against Pakistan. The right-hander smashed 11 fours and a six in his 55-ball innings, reviving the innings after an early dip. Pakistan's Naseem Shah took three wickets, including one expensive spell.

Sri Lanka reached 52-2 in the powerplay, courtesy of debutant Imran Randhawa and Naseem. The momentum shifted after the fielding restrictions lifted, with Kamindu Mendis and Udara adding 14 runs off Shadab Khan's first over. Kamindu and Udara formed a crucial 50-run partnership in just 33 balls, with Kamindu reverse-sweeping Abrar Ahmed for four.

Mendis departed before the halfway mark, caught by Fakhar Zaman at long-off after a false shot by Saim Ayub. Udara reached his maiden T20I half-century off 32 balls, followed by another boundary and three more to cross the 100-run mark. Dasun Shanaka added further impetus with a six, helped over the boundary by Hasan Nawaz's unsuccessful catch attempt.

Udara cleared the ropes against debutant Razaullah, only for Shanaka to fall mistiming his shot. Pakistan had a chance to dismiss Udara on 77 but missed, only for Naseem to bowl Dunith Wellalage. Udara then scored a ramp shot for four before being caught by Hasan at long-on, nine short of a maiden T20I century. In the final over, Razaullah claimed his maiden T20I wicket, while Dushmantha Chameera secured the innings' final boundary off a free hit as Sri Lanka ended on 182-8.