ABU DHABI, OCT 28 (DNA) – All-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s hat trick and Shadab’s late onslaught helped Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka here in Abu Dhabi.

After a solid start and Danushka Gunathilaka’s maiden T20I fifty, Sri Lanka lost 8 wickets for just 18 runs, Pakistan, led by Faheem Ashraf’s hat-trick, the first for them in T20Is, restricted the visitors to 124/9 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and decided to bowl first,

Pakistan team defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets to win the first Twenty20 international in Abu Dhabi, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

After the demoralizing ODI whitewash, Sri Lanka’s full side would have grappled to compete with the hosts. But as Sarfraz Ahmed’s men put the finishing touches on the most routine of wins, it was impossible not to feel Sri Lanka may face a similar fate in the shortest format.

The last match of the three matches series will be played in Lahore on Sunday.