Pakistan chase 183-run target against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi T20I opener
“Sahibzada Farhan leads hosts as Fakhar Zaman returns to the sideRAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Sri Lanka set Pakistan a target of 183 runs in the opening match of th…”
Having won the toss and elected to bat first, Sri Lanka put 182 runs on the board in their allotted 20 overs, leaving Pakistan needing 183 to secure victory in the series opener. Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan will lead the chase alongside a revamped batting line-up, with experienced batter Fakhar Zaman returning to the side.
Muhammad Imran and Razaullah are also making their T20I debuts for Pakistan. The hosts will need 183 runs to take an early lead in the series, with the remaining two matches scheduled to be played at the same venue on October 11 and 13.
Playing XIs. Pakistan's line-up features Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Imran, Razaullah, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. Two debutants in Pakistan's playing XI for the first T20I Sri Lanka #PAKvSL | #Cricket.
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KaJashan https://t.co/G7Ruc. In9Ud— Pakistan Cricket (@The. RealPCB)October 9, 2026Sri Lanka's playing XI comprises Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara.
Head-to-head record. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have met 31 times in T20 Internationals, with Pakistan winning 18 matches and Sri Lanka claiming 13 victories. Their most recent encounter took place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year, when Pakistan edged Sri Lanka by five runs in a closely fought contest.
However, Sri Lanka have fond memories of their previous bilateral T20I series in Pakistan. In 2019, the visitors swept the hosts 3-0, securing a clean sweep on Pakistani soil. The opening match offers Pakistan a chance to draw first blood in the current series, but they must first negotiate Sri Lanka's total of 182/8.
Busy schedule ahead. After the T20I series, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will join England in an ODI tri-series scheduled for October 18 to 31, with matches to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Sri Lanka will then play a three-day practice match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6 ahead of a two-Test series against Pakistan.
The Tests will count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The opening match is scheduled for Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, followed by the second Test at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
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