Nawaz, Farhan shine as Pakistan cruise past Sri Lanka

Spinner Mohammad Nawaz set up a convincing Pakistan victory with a superb spell before Sahibzada Farhan finished the job in front of a packed Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in the Twenty20 tri-nation series on Saturday.

Nawaz delivered an excellent spell of 3 for 16, including two wickets in two balls, to help restrict Sri Lanka to 128 for 7. His double strike of Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka triggered a collapse from 78-3 to 86-6, halting Sri Lanka's early momentum after a brisk start from openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka.

Sri Lanka's only resistance late in the innings came from Janith Liyanage, who struck a determined 41 not out, but the total remained below par.

Pakistan's chase was clinical. Opener Saim Ayub (20) provided early impetus before Farhan took full control with an explosive 80 not out off 45 balls, featuring five sixes and six fours. He guided Pakistan to 132 for 4 with 4.3 overs to spare, ensuring the hosts made it two wins out of two after their opening win against Zimbabwe.

Babar Azam contributed 16 before being dismissed, but Farhan's dominance ensured there were no late setbacks. His flurry of boundaries against Wanindu Hasaranga, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and Dushmantha Chameera sealed a comfortable six-wicket victory.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, remain winless in the tournament after earlier losing to Zimbabwe, and now face an uphill task to stay in contention.