Sri Lanka Bounce Back, Thrash Pakistan by 8 Wickets in 3rd T20I
RAWALPINDI: A spectacular, unbeaten half-century from skipper Kusal Mendis ensured the visitors avoided a series whitewash as SL defeats PAK in 3rd T20I by a comprehensive margin.
Displaying clinical efficiency in both disciplines, Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, chasing down a target of 169 with 17 balls to spare. Despite the definitive loss in the dead rubber, Pakistan claimed the overall silverware, walking away with a 2-1 T20I series triumph.
Opting to bat first after Winning the toss, Pakistan’s batting lineup lacked the rhythm displayed in the previous fixtures. The hosts ran into early trouble against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack that adjusted quickly to the surface. Veteran all-rounder Dasun Shanaka was the chief destroyer, using his variations to stifle the middle order and register stellar figures of 3 for 21.
Amidst the regular fall of wickets, captain Sahibzada Farhan played a stellar anchoring role. Farhan smashed a classy 76 off just 47 balls, anchoring the innings with precision. He found a reliable partner in the youthful Arafat Minhas, who chipped in with a brisk 34. Together, they dragged the Men in Green to a competitive Total of 168/8 in 20 overs.
However, the total proved well below par against a determined Sri Lankan batting unit. The chase was defined by absolute authority from the Power play. Sri Lanka’s pursuit began with openers Lahiru Udara and Sineth Jayawardena walking out to face the new ball. While Udara fell early in the second over, his dismissal paved the way for the centerpiece of the chase.
Mendis anchored the innings magnificently, producing a breathtaking, unbeaten 87 off just 48 deliveries. Mendis first rebuilt smoothly alongside the surviving opener, Sineth Jayawardena, who played an enterprising knock of 38 off 26 balls.
Following Jayawardena’s departure, the captain found an equally adept ally in Kamindu Mendis. The two Mendises combined for a flawless, unbeaten 98-run partnership that completely took the game away from the hosts. Kamindu remained unbeaten on 40 off 27 balls, matching his captain’s composure and ensuring no further hiccups occurred.
Pakistan’s bowlers failed to extract their usual lifespan from the pitch, leaving the hosts searching for answers as the boundaries flowed freely under the lights. Sri Lanka eventually cruised past the finish line in the 18th over, ending at 172 for 2.
While Pakistan celebrates a 2-1 series victory, this final match served as a stark reminder of their vulnerabilities when the top-tier management is rested.
For Sri Lanka, this emphatic 8-wicket victory provides a massive confidence boost as both teams shift their focus to the upcoming ODI Tri-Nation Series, where England will join the fray.
