The match, being played at Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan winning the toss and inviting Sri Lanka to bat first. The decision worked perfectly as Pakistani bowlers quickly rattled the Sri Lankan batting line-up.

Despite some resistance, Sri Lanka managed only 133 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, leaving Pakistan with a modest yet tricky chase ahead.

Earlier, Pakistan’s decision paid off quickly when Shaheen Afridi removed Kusal Mendis for a duck on just the first run of the innings, caught by Hussain Talat. Soon after, Pathum Nissanka also fell for only 8 runs in the third over, again to Shaheen.

Kusal Perera and captain Asalanka tried to rebuild, but Perera departed for 15 runs, caught by Mohammad Haris off Faheem Ashraf. At 43 runs, Sri Lanka lost its third wicket.

The collapse deepened as the score reached 58. Captain Asalanka was dismissed for 20, Dasun Shanaka went without scoring, and Wanindu Hasaranga managed only 15 before Abrar Ahmed struck.

At the crease now are Kamindu Mendis and Chamika Karunaratne, trying to save Sri Lanka from further damage.

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Pakistan XI: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.

Pakistan’s bowlers have taken control early, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble. Shaheen Afridi’s fiery start broke their top order, and Abrar added more pressure. With Sri Lanka collapsing, the big question is whether their middle order can fight back or if Pakistan will finish them off quickly.