Pakistan began their T20I series against Sri Lanka with a confident win in the opening match, but the victory did not come without concerns. While the bowling unit earned praise for its control and discipline, Pakistan’s overall fielding effort left much to be desired, according to team management.
Strong Bowling Sets the Tone for Pakistan
Pakistan’s bowlers played a crucial role in shaping the match by keeping Sri Lanka under constant pressure. The spin department stood out, with Shadab Khan delivering sharp overs that broke key partnerships. Abrar Ahmed provided excellent support from the other end, troubling batters with his variations and accuracy.
Their combined effort ensured Sri Lanka never fully settled, restricting them to a total that was well within Pakistan’s reach.
Comfortable Chase Secures Early Series Lead
Chasing a manageable target, Pakistan’s batters approached the innings with composure. The openers laid a solid foundation, allowing the middle order to play freely without pressure. The target was achieved comfortably, with Pakistan finishing the chase well before the final overs.
The balanced performance with bat and ball helped Pakistan take a 1–0 lead in the series.
Mike Hesson Raises Concerns Over Fielding
Despite the positive result, Pakistan’s Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson, was not fully satisfied. He openly acknowledged the quality of the bowling attack, particularly praising Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed for their impact.
However, Hesson expressed disappointment with Pakistan’s fielding standards. Missed opportunities, slow movement, and lack of sharpness in the field were areas he felt needed immediate improvement. He emphasized that such lapses could prove costly against stronger opponents.
Focus on Improvement Ahead of Next Matches
With more matches remaining in the series, Pakistan’s coaching staff is expected to address the fielding issues quickly. Improving agility, catching efficiency, and overall awareness in the field will be key as the team looks to build momentum.
While the opening win provides confidence, Pakistan will aim for a more complete performance in the upcoming games to maintain consistency across all departments.
