Pakistan got their World Cup preparations off to the perfect start as they beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the first of their three-match series.

Sahibzada Farhan's 51 off 36 balls helped the tourists complete a routine run chase in Dambulla after Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 128.

Pakistan's decision to put the hosts in to bat after winning the toss paid dividends early on as openers Pathum Nissanka (12) and Kamil Mishara (0) were both dismissed in the powerplay.

Spin duo Shadab Khan (2-25) and Abrar Ahmed (3-25) then worked their way through the Sri Lanka lineup, with Janith Liyanage's 40 off 31 salvaging some hope for his side.

But Pakistan made a fast start to the powerplay, with the opening pair of Farhan and Saim Ayub (24) scoring at just under 10 an over before the latter was removed by Maheesh Theekshana (1-31).

Shadab then got Pakistan over the line with his 18 off 12 deliveries after Farhan and Salman Agha (16) were dismissed in quick succession by Dushmantha Chameera (1-34) and Dhananjaya de Silva (1-4) respectively.

 Pakistan win the opener of the 3-match T20I series on Sri Lanka’s home turf #SLvPAK #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/6kYiObaARy

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 7, 2026

Data Debrief: Farhan brings 2025 form into 2026

Pakistan have now won four of their last five men's T20Is against Sri Lanka, while the Shaheens have also won their last three games in the format against the Lions in Sri Lanka, though this was their first matchup in Dambulla.

And Farhan picked up from where he left off in 2025. He scored 771 runs in men's T20Is in 2025, the most of any player from Pakistan or Sri Lanka. He had only scored 86 total runs from nine matches for the Shaheens prior to 2025.