Pakistan made six changes to the playing line-up from the side that lost the Asian Games gold medal match to India last week, including handing out two T20I caps, as they defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan handed T20I caps to Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah, who claimed two wickets and one wicket respectively, while returning fast bowler Naseem Shah took three for 36 as Sri Lanka posted a competitive 182 for eight after electing to bat first.

Fakhar Zaman, another player recalled to the side, contributed 21 in Pakistan’s successful run-chase, but it was captain Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat who laid the foundation with attacking half-centuries.

Farhan struck a brilliant 89, while Maaz scored a fluent 50 from 29 balls, including four fours and three sixes. The pair added 92 runs for the second wicket from just 52 balls to put Pakistan firmly in control.

Farhan, captaining Pakistan in his third T20I and first at home, was dismissed with only four runs required for victory. His entertaining 53-ball innings featured 10 fours and four sixes.

Pakistan eventually reached 187 for six in 18.5 overs, completing the victory with seven balls to spare when Khawaja Nafay struck the winning six.

Hasan Nawaz, who scored a breathtaking 96 against India in the Asian Games final, lasted just two deliveries before becoming Dushmantha Chameera’s 100th T20I victim.

Saim Ayub, who had opened the innings until last week, batted at No.5 but managed only eight from five balls before being bowled by Maheesh Theekshana. Shadab, who was also returning to the side and picked up one wicket for 33 runs in three overs, was dismissed for a two-ball duck while batting at No.7 while attempting to finish the match with a six, only to be caught at fine leg.

Khawaja Nafay, the sixth change to Pakistan’s side, replaced Usman Khan as wicketkeeper and batted at No.6, ahead of Shadab Khan. He arrived with Pakistan requiring 27 runs from 29 balls and remained unbeaten on 12 from seven deliveries, including the winning six.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings revolved around a superb 91 from opener Lahiru Udara, who struck 11 fours and a six during his 55-ball knock.

Udara was dismissed by Naseem Shah off the final delivery of the 19th over.

After Sri Lanka slipped to 18 for two, Udara added 60 for the third wicket with Kamindu Mendis (23) and later shared a 57-run fifth-wicket partnership with Dasun Shanaka (18).

Despite Udara’s efforts, Sri Lanka lost momentum in the closing stages as Pakistan’s bowlers restricted them to 182 for eight.

Scores in brief

1st T20I — Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets, Rawalpindi

Sri Lanka 182-8, 20 overs (Lahiru Udara 91, Kamindu Mendis 23, Dasun Shanaka 18; Naseem Shah 3-36, Mohammad Imran Randhawa 2-21)

Pakistan 187-6, 18.5 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 89, Maaz Sadaqat 50, Fakhar Zaman 21)

Player of the match – Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)

2nd T20I: Sunday, Rawalpindi