Of course, like always Team CREX will be here to ensure that you do not miss a beat. Do join us on Tuesday. Till then, keep following for more cricketing action from around the globe. This is me, Darpan Tikiya, signing off on behalf of my colleagues AkshayaKrishna Polya, Abhishek Sharma, Vishnu Verma, Chandan Kr Singh and Aman. Goodbye for now!
On the other hand, Pakistan will be delighted with their dominant display and would want to carry this momentum further into the 3rd T20I that will be played at the same venue on Tuesday, October 13. The hosts will aim for a clean sweep, while the visitors will play for pride.
Post the T20 World Cup played earlier this year, Sri Lanka have featured in 10 completed T20I matches. They have won only 2 of them. What's even more deflating is the manner of the loss tonight. 5 dropped catches, plenty of fumbles in ground fielding and barely anything to show with the bat in hand.
Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan captain): "(Was it a complete performance?) First of all, thanks to the almighty. The way we started, I was thinking that today we will touch 200. But the powerplay did not go accordingly. Still we believed. 180 was in sight. We knew that 195 was the highest (total in T20Is) at this ground. So, I told the boys that we will score 200 tonight.
(On Maaz Sadaqat) I told him that if I had shots like you have, I would score a century in every match. But may the Lord save him from evil eye. The way he is batting and winning matches for Pakistan single-handedly, credit goes to him.
(Overall progression in T20Is) If you look at (our performance in) 2026 in T20s, you'll see the difference. We have scored maximum sixes. Earlier we used to hit a six every 25 balls, but now it is down to 15 balls. Every batter's strike rate is 150. That is how T20 is played. If you play this way, you'll win.
(On the upcoming 3rd T20I) The same mindset. We'll come strong and will play the same way."
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka captain): "(His thoughts on the loss) I think batters have to take responsibility, including me. It looked like a batting pitch. We needed to score a minimum of 200 on that wicket.
(On the bowling and the fielding) They (Sri Lankan fast bowlers) bowled really well in the powerplay. We dropped a couple of catches. I think the bowlers bowled really well. I am very happy with some areas. We have to improve very quickly. We have to improve batting and fielding.
(On going forward) In the last couple of tournaments, we have done well as a fielding side. In the last couple of games, we have not had the right fielders in the right areas. But I have a lot of confidence on my team. We will come back stronger."
Maaz Sadaqat [POTM]: "Thanks to the almighty. I was in good form and wanted to make the most of it.
(On when he told Nawaz that he was going to hit a six next ball and actually did) I have the belief in my ability. I told Hasan Nawaz that the next ball I am going to hit a six and I hit it too. I have positive intent. I see the ball and try to hit it in the right area accordingly.
(On the conversation with Farhan during the partnership) He explained my things ball to ball. Like, if we picked 11-12 runs of the over, then it was not about taking any more risks and rather taking it deep."
Player of the Match: Maaz Sadaqat
Wicket of the Match: Mohammad Imran Randhawa (for the wicket of Sahan Arachchige)
Batter of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan (for his 44-ball-73)
Best fielder of the Match: Khwaja Nafay (for his 3 catches)