The left-handed batter narrowly missed his maiden T20I century after an explosive innings featuring six fours and seven sixes. His performance continued an impressive start to his international career after he scored a half-century on debut in the opening match of the series.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan also played a crucial role, scoring 73 off 44 deliveries, including four boundaries and five sixes. The pair added 88 runs for the second wicket, putting Pakistan in a commanding position after Sri Lanka elected to field first.
Pakistan were 55-1 when Maaz arrived at the crease following Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal for 22 off 17 balls against spinner Maheesh Theekshana in the seventh over.
After settling into his innings, Maaz accelerated with aggressive strokeplay, striking boundaries across the ground and repeatedly targeting the leg side. He reached his second consecutive T20I half-century in just 29 balls, further strengthening Pakistan’s position.
Farhan also capitalised on missed opportunities in the field, reaching his half-century off 32 deliveries. However, his innings ended at 73 when he was caught by Sineth Jayawardena off Dasun Shanaka in the 15th over.
With Farhan dismissed, Maaz took charge of the innings, launching three sixes off Theekshana in the 16th over and continuing to punish Sri Lanka’s bowlers with powerful and inventive shots.
Hasan Nawaz provided a late boost, remaining unbeaten on 19 off just nine balls as Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark in the 19th over.
Maaz moved to 92 with two boundaries against Nuwan Thushara but could not complete his century. Sri Lanka pacer Eshan Malinga produced an impressive final over, using slower deliveries and a precise yorker to restrict the scoring.
Maaz eventually departed for 96 on the final ball, caught by Shanaka at deep cover, ending an outstanding innings that put Pakistan in a strong position.
His explosive knock, alongside Farhan’s valuable contribution, powered Pakistan to 215-3 and gave the hosts a competitive total in the second match of the T20I series.
