Sahibzada Farhan's 80* Powers Pakistan to Seven-Wicket Win Over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi
When Sahibzada Farhan stepped onto the pitch at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 22, 2025, he wasn’t just playing a match—he was rewriting his own legacy. With a career-best 80 not out off just 45 balls, Farhan dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling attack in a blistering display of power and precision, guiding Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory in the third match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-SeriesRawalpindi. The win wasn’t just about runs; it was about momentum. Pakistan now lead the tournament with four points from two matches, while Sri Lanka, reeling from their second consecutive defeat, sit at the bottom with zero points.
How Sri Lanka Crumbled at 128/7
Sri Lanka’s innings never found rhythm. After captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to bowl, his side collapsed under pressure like a house of cards in a breeze. Openers Kamil Mishara (22 off 12) and Pathum Nissanka (17) looked dangerous early, but the wheels came off after Mishara was caught behind off Faheem Ashraf in the fourth over. Then came the run-out of Kusal Mendis (3) by Mohammad Wasim Jr, and suddenly, Sri Lanka were 38/2 in 5.4 overs.
The middle order didn’t recover. Kusal Perera (12) and Nissanka fell in quick succession, and then came the turning point: Shadab Nawaz. In a span of 11 balls, he took three wickets—including two in the same over—to reduce Sri Lanka to 86/6 by the 13.3rd over. It was the kind of spell that makes bowlers look like magicians. Janith Liyanage (34 off 32) and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth (0*) tried to stitch something together, but the damage was done. Sri Lanka’s total of 128/7 felt like 80 on a good day.
Farhan’s Masterclass: Power, Precision, and Poise
What followed was a batting clinic. Sahibzada Farhan didn’t just chase the target—he owned it. His innings began with controlled aggression, then exploded into something breathtaking. He launched five sixes and six boundaries, with some shots so clean they left the fielders frozen. One over from Eshan Malinga yielded 22 runs, mostly because Farhan just didn’t let the ball land. "Down the track and lifts it over," the Pakistan Cricket Board’s YouTube highlights narrated. "That is belted away. That’s glorious cover drive."
He wasn’t alone. Opening partner Saim Ayub (20) provided the perfect foil, and Babar Azam (16) steadied things when needed. But this was Farhan’s night. He reached his fifty in just 28 balls. His 80 came in 45. When he hit the winning runs—a crisp cut through point—the crowd roared like it was a final. And honestly? It felt like one.
Why This Win Changes Everything
Pakistan’s victory wasn’t just about beating Sri Lanka—it was about proving they’re serious contenders. After losing their opening match to Zimbabwe, this back-to-back win—especially with such dominance—shifts the entire narrative of the Tri-Series. Zimbabwe, who started as favorites, now sit second with two points. But Pakistan? They’ve got momentum, confidence, and a batsman who’s suddenly become the face of their T20 resurgence.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s struggles are becoming a crisis. They were bowled out for 95 against Zimbabwe in their first match. Now, they’ve been bowled out for 128 and lost by seven wickets. Fan speculation on ESPN.com questioned whether internal board-player disputes were affecting morale. "They seemed to be on an upward trend," wrote one fan, Jov. "Now? It’s like they’ve forgotten how to play."
Coaching staff changes? Player rotation? Lack of preparation? The answers aren’t clear. But what’s obvious is this: Sri Lanka’s campaign is in freefall. And if they don’t find answers fast, their next match against Zimbabwe could be their last in this tournament.
What’s Next? The Road to the Final
Pakistan’s next match is against Zimbabwe on November 24, a clash that could seal their spot in the final. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle. They need to win both remaining matches and hope for massive swings in net run rate. Even then, it’s a long shot. The pressure is mounting on their captain, Dasun Shanaka, who hasn’t had a good day with bat or leadership since the series began.
For Pakistan, the focus shifts to consistency. Farhan’s innings was brilliant—but can they replicate it? Can their spinners, led by Shadab and Abrar Ahmed, keep up the pressure? Can their top order avoid another early collapse? The answers will define whether this is a flash in the pan… or the start of something bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Sahibzada Farhan’s 80* in his career?
This was Farhan’s highest T20I score, surpassing his previous best of 62 against Bangladesh in 2023. It’s also the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in a T20I chase against Sri Lanka. With five sixes and six boundaries, his strike rate of 177.77 is among the top five for any Pakistani in a T20I innings of 75+ runs.
Why did Sri Lanka’s batting collapse so badly?
Sri Lanka’s top order lacked discipline, especially against spin. Shadab Nawaz’s three-wicket spell in the 13th over exposed their vulnerability to turn and variation. Additionally, their middle order has been inconsistent in pressure situations this year, with four players scoring under 15 in their last three T20Is. Bowling errors—especially loose deliveries from Eshan Malinga—also gifted Pakistan easy runs early.
How has Pakistan’s team selection changed compared to their previous match?
Pakistan made just one change: bringing in Abrar Ahmed for the injured Naseem Shah. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, rotated three players, including dropping veteran Wanindu Hasaranga and promoting Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. The lack of impact from Sri Lanka’s new selections suggests poor tactical planning, while Pakistan’s minimal tweak paid off with crucial wickets and economical overs.
What does this result mean for Pakistan’s World T20 chances?
This win boosts Pakistan’s confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Farhan’s emergence as a finisher, combined with Shadab’s spin dominance and Babar’s calm leadership, gives them a balanced lineup. Their net run rate is now the best in the Tri-Series, and they’ve shown they can win under pressure—something they’ve struggled with in past global tournaments.
Has Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium been a lucky venue for Pakistan recently?
Yes. Pakistan have won their last six T20Is at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, dating back to 2022. The pitch favors spinners and slow-medium pacers, which suits Pakistan’s current bowling attack. The crowd support also adds pressure on visiting teams, as seen in Sri Lanka’s nervous starts and early wickets.
What’s the next big challenge for Sahibzada Farhan?
The next test is consistency. Farhan has now scored two half-centuries in his last four T20Is, but he’s yet to convert one into a century. If he can carry his form into the next series against Australia or England, he could cement his place in the top four. Right now, he’s not just a finisher—he’s becoming Pakistan’s most dangerous middle-order weapon.