Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 14 runs in the final match of the three-match T20 series, leveling the series 1-1.
The toss for the third T20 match, played at Dambulla Stadium, was delayed due to rain. However, Pakistan’s captain won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to bat first.
The rain-affected match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was reduced to 12 overs per side. Sri Lanka batted aggressively, setting a challenging target of 161 runs for Pakistan to chase.
Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka was the top scorer with 34 runs off just 9 balls, including 5 sixes. Kusal Mendis scored 30, Dhananjaya de Silva 22, Charith Asalanka 21, and Kamal Mshra 20, helping the team post a big total.
Mohammad Wasim, making his way into the national side, took the most wickets for Pakistan with 3 dismissals, though he conceded 54 runs in his 3-over quota. Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start as opener Sahibzada Farhan fell for 9. However, a solid partnership between Saif Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha brought the score to 60.
Captain Salman Ali Agha played an extremely aggressive innings, scoring 45 runs off just 12 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes. Saif Ayub could not make a significant contribution and was dismissed for 6 at a team total of 62. Usman Khan once again failed, making only 1 run before falling to Hesaranga.
Khawaja Nafees added 26 runs in 15 balls, with a four and a six, alongside Mohammad Nawaz, but was out on the first ball of the 10th over, Pakistan’s score then at 116. Shadab Khan was also dismissed for 6.
Mohammad Nawaz resisted with 28 runs but lost his wicket at a crucial stage, effectively sealing the team’s fate, and Faheem Ashraf was run out shortly after.
Pakistan needed 30 runs from the final two overs, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers turned the game in their favor. Pakistan finished their 12 overs at 146 for 8, giving Sri Lanka a 14-run victory and leveling the series 1-1.
Pakistan had taken the lead in the series by winning the first T20 match, while the second match was abandoned due to rain. Although the final match started late due to rain, the hosts Sri Lanka managed to secure victory.
Earlier, Pakistan had beaten Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the first T20 to take a 1-0 lead in the series, while the second match was washed out.
