A sensational bowling performance Wanindu Hasaranga Sri Lanka cruised to a crucial 14-run victory (DLS) over Pakistan in the rain-shortened third T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday. In a match reduced to 12 overs due to persistent showers, Sri Lanka defended a tough total to square the series in dramatic fashion.
Sri Lanka posted a massive total after an aggressive batting display
After Pakistan won the toss and qualified for the trophy, Sri Lanka came out with open attacking intent despite losing Pathum Nissanka early. Kamil Mishara provided the initial momentum with a blistering 20 off eight balls, but it was Kusal Mendis who kept the run rate well above 12, scoring a fluent 30 off just 16 deliveries.
Middle-order contributions from Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka ensured Sri Lanka maintained the pressure despite regular wickets. Captain Dasun Shanaka then played a strong cameo, smashing 34 off just nine balls as Sri Lanka crossed the 150-run mark in the final over.
Janith Liyanage’s late knock (22 not out from 8) pushed Sri Lanka. 12 to 6 applies 160total that is soluble on a wet surface. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Wasim Jr, struggled with execution as the shortened format left little margin for error.
Pakistan’s chase falters despite Salman Agha’s blitz
Pakistan’s reply started brightly with Salman Agha hitting 45 off just 12 balls. His clean hitting briefly accelerated in Pakistan’s favour, especially during a quick-fire partnership of 51 that boosted hopes of a successful chase.
However, Sri Lanka bounced back at crucial moments. Salman Agha’s dismissal by Matheesha Pathirana led to the collapse as wickets fell in succession. Saim Ayub and Usman Khan were also dismissed in single digits, leaving Pakistan behind the required ratio.
Wanindu Hasaranga turns the match with a game-changing spell
Hasaranga struck the decisive blow with a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets for 35 runs in three overs. His scalps included key batsmen Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan who broke Pakistan’s middle-order resistance. Backed by disciplined bowling from Pathirana and Eshan Malinga, Sri Lanka tightened the screws in the final.
Despite a late fightback from the pacers, Pakistan finished at 146 for 8, 14 runs short of the target.
