Sri Lanka won the second T20 match against Pakistan to take an unbeaten 0-2 lead in the three-match series. This is Sri Lanka’s first win against Pakistan in the history of bilateral T20 series.
Sri Lanka won the toss and batted first against Pakistan and scored 182 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs, in response the national team was bundled out for 147. Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored 77 runs and Sheehan Jayasuriya scored 34 runs on behalf of the visiting team, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz got one wicket each while three Sri Lankan players were run out.
Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Hasnain proved to be the most expensive bowlers who conceded 40 and 39 runs respectively in 4 overs and did not get any wickets. In pursuit of the target of 183 runs given by Sri Lanka, the start of Pakistan’s innings was disappointing and Fakhar Zaman was dismissed by scoring 6 runs, after that Babar Azam also returned to the pavilion by scoring 3 runs. Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal one. Again failed to perform well, Ahmed Shahzad was out for 13 runs and Umar Akmal was out for no runs.
On a total score of 52, Pakistan’s 5th wicket fell to captain Sarfaraz Ahmed who was bowled by scoring 26 runs. After that, Imad Wasim and Asif Ali put up some resistance, but on a total score of 127, Imad Wasim returned to the pavilion after scoring 47 runs off 29 balls. After that, Wahab Riaz 7, all-rounder Shadab Khan 0 and Asif Ali got out after scoring 29 runs. Thus, Pakistan had to face defeat in the match by 35 runs. Sri Lanka’s Nawan Pradeep and D’Silva dismissed 3 players each.
Odana took two wickets. Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa was declared the man of the match, he played an innings of 77 runs and called it a memorable innings of his career. For the second match, 2 changes were made in the squad of green shirts, Iftikhar. Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf were dropped and Fakhar Zaman and Wahab Riaz were included in the playing XI. Pakistan was defeated by Sri Lanka by 64 runs in the first T20I, the third and final T20I will be played on October 9.
The Sri Lankan player wore black arm bands during the second T20 match to mourn the death of Sri Lankan Wazir Khil’s father. It should be remembered that Pakistan has won the series of 3 one-day matches 0-2 while the first one-day match was canceled due to rain.
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**Interview with Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain, Kumar Sangakkara**
**Editor:** Welcome, Kumar. It’s a historic moment for Sri Lankan cricket as the team has taken an unbeaten 0-2 lead against Pakistan in this T20 series, marking their first-ever win in a bilateral T20 series against them. What does this victory mean for Sri Lanka cricket?
**Sangakkara:** Thank you for having me. This win is monumental for Sri Lanka cricket. Not only does it highlight the talent we have in our squad, but it also boosts the confidence of the players going forward. Winning against a strong team like Pakistan, especially in their own conditions, is always a significant achievement.
**Editor:** Bhanuka Rajapaksa was exceptional, scoring 77 runs. How pivotal was his performance in this match?
**Sangakkara:** Bhanuka’s innings was crucial. He played with aggression and composure, setting a strong foundation for the team. His ability to handle pressure and score runs consistently is something Sri Lanka needs as we look to build a competitive squad for the future.
**Editor:** The bowlers faced some challenges, with both Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Hasnain bowling expensive spells. What could be done to improve their performance in upcoming matches?
**Sangakkara:** Bowling under pressure is always tough, especially in T20 matches where every run counts. I believe the coaching staff and the players need to analyze their bowling plans and work on executing them better. Sometimes, it’s about strategy and understanding the pitch conditions. With experience, they’ll learn to be more disciplined.
**Editor:** Looking ahead to the third T20 match, what strategies should Sri Lanka adopt to maintain their winning momentum?
**Sangakkara:** Continuity is key. Sri Lanka needs to retain their playing XI and build on their current form. It’s important to maintain that aggressive batting approach while ensuring our bowlers are backed by effective fielding. Staying mentally strong and not taking anything for granted will be crucial.
**Editor:** Thank you, Kumar, for sharing your insights. It’s exciting to see Sri Lanka making history!
**Sangakkara:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Sri Lankan cricket, and I hope they continue to rise in the international arena.
