Razaullah and Imran make debut as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four runs

Razaullah, Mohammad Imran make T20I debuts as Sri Lanka bat in Rawalpindi Pakistan’s newly appointed Twenty20 captain Sahibzada Farhan was quick to remind supporters that the team would have taken the ball regardless of the conditions, underscoring a pragmatic approach to the series against Sri Lanka. Speaking before the first match of the three‑day tour, Farhan said the side had prepared for a full complement of bowlers, and that any decision to field first was based on tactical considerations rather than the weather. His comments set a tone of confidence, signalling that the new leadership was ready to test the depth of the squad..

The opening fixture, staged at Rawalpindi’s Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, offered a dramatic platform for two debutants. Fast‑bowling prospect Razaullah, a 22‑year‑old from Lahore, earned his first cap after a string of impressive performances in the domestic circuit, where his pace consistently topped 140 kph. Alongside him, right‑arm medium‑pacer Mohammad Imran, aged 24, made his debut after a prolific season with the Pakistan Cup, where he claimed 23 wickets at an economy of 6.2 runs per over..

Both were introduced into the playing XI as part of Farhan’s strategy to broaden the pace attack. Sri Lanka, having won the toss, elected to bat first, hoping to set a challenging total on a pitch that had shown signs of flattening under the midday sun. Their openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, provided a solid start, putting together a 57‑run partnership before the first wicket fell..

The Sri Lankan top order displayed a mix of traditional strokeplay and calculated aggression, exploiting the early lack of swing but also the short boundaries that favoured their powerful hitting. Razaullah’s debut was marked by a nervous yet promising spell of 2 for 28 in his allotted four overs. He generated genuine bounce on a surface that had been expected to favour seamers, unsettling the Sri Lankan middle order with short, sharply angled deliveries..

His wicket of veteran batsman Dimuth Karunaratne, caught behind, was hailed as a key moment that shifted momentum in Pakistan’s favour. Imran, operating from the other end, bowled a tidy spell of two overs, conceding only ten runs and applying pressure through disciplined line and length. The Sri Lankan innings, however, continued to build despite the early breakthroughs..

After Karunaratne’s dismissal, the middle order regrouped, with veteran Kusal Perera anchoring a partnership with the aggressive Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Their 73‑run stand pushed the total past the 150‑run mark, a target that historically has required a strong chase in sub‑continental conditions. The partnership was characterized by deft placement and opportunistic running, as they capitalised on loose deliveries and occasional misfields..

Pakistan’s chase began with cautious optimism. Opening batsmen Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq steadied the innings, rotating the strike while leaving the more aggressive shots for the latter stages. Rizwan, the seasoned campaigner, displayed his trademark composure, guiding the team through the early overs with a mixture of drives and cuts that kept the required run rate within manageable limits..

Imam’s half‑century, built on a combination of aggressive pulls and well‑timed sweeps, signalled that the chase was firmly under control. Midway through the innings, the match saw a brief spell of tension as Sri Lankan bowler Wanindu Hasaranga introduced a series of slower balls that briefly unsettled the Pakistani top order. Hasaranga’s variations yielded two quick wickets, including that of Rizwan, who fell for a modest 32..

The dismissal sparked a brief flurry of commentary on the impact of the new captain’s decision to retain the same opening pair, with analysts noting the risk of losing momentum in a high‑stakes game. The introduction of the debutants into the batting order added an unexpected twist. Razaullah, promoted to the lower middle order, contributed a gritty 21 runs off 15 balls, showcasing a surprising level of power hitting for a pace bowler..

His quick boundaries helped revive the scoring rate after a brief lull, and his ability to finish strongly impressed both teammates and spectators. Imran, batting at number eight, provided a calm finish with an unbeaten 12, ensuring the required run rate never spiked beyond 7.5 runs per over. As the chase entered its final overs, Pakistan required 17 runs from 12 balls with three wickets in hand..

The experienced Mohammad Nawaz, who had been quiet throughout, struck a decisive six off a full delivery, reigniting the chase’s momentum. A subsequent four from Imam-ul-Haq, followed by a dot ball, set the stage for a dramatic finish. The final ball saw a low full toss at the leg side, which Imran dispatched for a boundary, sealing a four‑run victory and marking a successful debut for the two newcomers..

Post‑match, Farhan praised the collective effort, noting that the team had displayed resilience and adaptability under pressure. He highlighted the importance of integrating fresh talent, stating that the debuts of Razaullah and Imran were part of a broader plan to cultivate a versatile bowling attack for future series. The captain also addressed the earlier comments about bowling first, insisting that the decision had been based on thorough analysis of pitch conditions and the strengths of the playing XI..

Sri Lanka’s coach, Mickey Arthur, acknowledged the narrow defeat.