Fakhar Zaman becomes first Pakistani to hit 100 T20I sixes
Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman achieved a major milestone during the third and final T20 International against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The left-handed batter became the first Pakistani player to hit 100 sixes in men’s T20I cricket.
Fakhar entered the match with 99 sixes and needed just one more to reach the landmark. He achieved it by hitting Sri Lankan fast bowler Binura Fernando for a six over deep midwicket.
The shot secured Fakhar’s place in Pakistan’s T20I record books and marked a significant achievement in his international career.
Record milestone ends with an early dismissal
Fakhar’s celebration was short-lived, as he was dismissed soon after reaching the landmark. He scored 12 runs off seven balls before Sri Lankan bowler Eshan Malinga dismissed him.
Although his innings was brief, the six remained a memorable moment in the match. It made him the first Pakistani batter to reach 100 sixes in men’s T20 Internationals. However, his early dismissal meant Pakistan had to rely on the remaining batters to build a competitive total.
Pakistan post 168 runs in final T20I
Pakistan batted first and scored 168 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Sahibzada Farhan led the batting effort with an impressive 76-run innings. He helped Pakistan post a competitive total despite losing wickets along the way.
The hosts needed their bowlers to put pressure on Sri Lanka and defend the target. However, the visitors responded with an aggressive batting display. Sri Lanka’s batters maintained a steady scoring rate and made the chase difficult for Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket win
Sri Lanka chased down Pakistan’s target with eight wickets remaining and 17 balls to spare.
Captain Kusal Mendis led the successful chase, scoring 87 runs off 47 balls. His aggressive innings put Sri Lanka in control and helped the visitors reach the target comfortably. Kamindu Mendis also contributed to the chase as Sri Lanka maintained momentum throughout the innings.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring once the Sri Lankan batters settled at the crease. The visitors eventually secured an eight-wicket victory in the final match. Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
Pakistan still win the three-match series
Despite losing the final game, Pakistan won the three-match series 2–1. Pakistan won the opening T20I by four wickets on October 9. The hosts then secured an 82-run victory in the second match on October 11.
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Those two wins gave Pakistan an unassailable series lead before Sri Lanka claimed victory in the final match on October 13. The result gave Sri Lanka a consolation win but did not change the overall series outcome.
Sahibzada Farhan also sets a series record
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan finished the series with another notable achievement.
According to the International Cricket Council, Farhan scored 238 runs across the three matches, setting a record for the most runs in a three-match men’s T20I bilateral series between two Full Member teams.
His consistent performances were a major positive for Pakistan, even though the team could not complete a clean sweep. Farhan scored a half-century in each of the three matches, demonstrating his consistency throughout the series.
What Fakhar’s milestone means for Pakistan
Fakhar’s achievement adds another significant milestone to Pakistan’s record in men’s T20I cricket. Reaching 100 sixes reflects his ability to score aggressively and clear the boundary against international bowling attacks.
However, the final match also showed that individual achievements do not always translate into team victories. While Fakhar reached a personal milestone, Sri Lanka’s strong batting performance ultimately decided the match.
Pakistan can take confidence from winning the series, while the final defeat also gives the team areas to review ahead of its next assignment.