Pakistan clinched an emphatic 82-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 international, securing an unassailable lead in the series with one match remaining. Building on their impressive batting performance from the series opener, the hosts once again dominated the crease at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, posting a formidable total of 215 for 3 after being sent in to bat on Sunday.
Opening batter Maaz Sadaqat led the charge with a magnificent, explosive knock, falling just four runs short of a century. Sadaqat accumulated 96 runs from 51 deliveries, an innings decorated with six boundaries and seven towering sixes that thoroughly dismantled the visiting bowling attack. He was brilliantly supported by captain Sahibzada Farhan, who continued his stellar form by racing to a half-century off just 31 balls before finishing with a fluent 73. Sri Lanka compounded their troubles in the field by dropping multiple catches, allowing the Pakistani opening pair to completely dictate the tempo of the innings and drive the score past the two-hundred-run mark.
Facing a daunting target of 216, the Sri Lankan chase faltered right from the outset. The touring side struggled against disciplined bowling and tight fielding, mustering a meagre 35 for 2 during the crucial powerplay overs and failing to recover thereafter. Mohammad Imran delivered a stellar bowling spell, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup by claiming 3 wickets while conceding only 11 runs. Fast-bowling partner Salman Mirza provided crucial support by picking up 2 wickets.
Despite a late, spirited effort from Maheesh Theekshana—who scored 32—and Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who contributed 29, the target remained far out of reach. Sri Lanka’s innings eventually concluded at 133 for 7, confirming a heavy defeat. Both sides will return to Rawalpindi on 13 October to contest the third and final match of the series.