DAMBULLA: The second T20 international of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Friday due to persistent rain at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
Continuous showers caused repeated interruptions, preventing even the toss from taking place and leaving no chance for play. Both teams will now shift their focus to the third and final match of the series.
Pakistan currently lead the series 1-0 after a convincing six-wicket victory in the opening match at the same venue on Wednesday, where they chased down a target of 129 with 20 balls to spare.
The final T20I is scheduled to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
In the first match, Pakistan made a solid start to the chase as openers Mohammad Farhan and Saim Ayub added 59 runs. Ayub was dismissed on the final ball of the powerplay by Maheesh Theekshana after scoring 24 off 18 balls, which included three fours and a six.
Farhan then shared a 25-run partnership with captain Salman Ali Agha before both batters were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Pakistan at 101/3. Farhan top-scored with 51 off 36 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes, while Agha made 16 off 11 deliveries.
Fakhar Zaman was later stumped off Dhananjaya de Silva for five, but Usman Khan and Shadab Khan steadied the innings, guiding Pakistan to victory in the 17th over. Shadab remained unbeaten on 18 off 12 balls, while Usman finished on seven not out.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Dhananjaya de Silva picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated after opting to field first, dismissing Sri Lanka for 128 in 19.2 overs. The hosts lost both openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka inside the powerplay with only 15 runs on the board.
Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva added 22 runs for the third wicket before Sri Lanka slipped to 38/4. Janith Liyanage offered resistance with a 40-run knock off 31 balls, but his dismissal further dented the hosts’ innings.
Salman Mirza struck in the penultimate over by removing Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera, while Mohammad Wasim Jr wrapped up the innings in the final over.
Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza led Pakistan’s bowling with three wickets each, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr took two wickets apiece.
