Pakistan scores its 2nd highest total in T20 cricket to win series against Sri Lanka

Pakistan achieved its second-highest total in T20 cricket history and defeated Sri Lanka by 82 runs, securing a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Maaz Sadaqat and captain Sahibzada Farhan each delivered second successive rapid half-centuries, with Sadaqat scoring 96 off 51 balls and Farhan amassing 73 not out. Both batsmen benefited from dropped catches, which proved costly for Sri Lanka.

Maheesh Theekshana dropped Farhan at mid-wicket in Binura Fernando's second over, and Sineth Jayawardene dropped an easy catch off Farhan's 11. Despite the dropped catches, Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Eshan Malinga, struggled to contain Pakistan's explosive batting lineup. Sadaqat smashed seven sixes and six boundaries, while Farhan accelerated the scoring with his powerful strokes.

Sri Lanka's highest-ever T20 score is 232-6 against England in 2021. Fast bowler Mohammad Imran, making his second T20 appearance, delivered the damage with his incisive swing bowling, taking 3-11 in four unchanged overs. Imran dismissed Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis, and Sahan Arachchige, as Sri Lanka, opting to field first, collapsed to 49-4 in the eighth over and couldn't recover.

Theekshana was Sri Lanka's top scorer with an unbeaten 32 off 26 balls, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe contributed 29 runs off 24 balls. Sri Lanka's captain, Kusal Mendis, acknowledged the need for better batting performance, stating that they needed to score at least 200 runs, but admitted that their fielding, particularly in recent tournaments, had been subpar.

The final match of the series is scheduled for Tuesday in Rawalpindi before England joins Pakistan and Sri Lanka for an ODI tri-series starting next Sunday.