Sri Lanka produced a commanding batting performance to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 13. Despite the victory, Pakistan had already secured the three-match series with wins in the opening two games.
Chasing a target of 169, Sri Lanka reached the target in 17.1 overs, with captain Kusal Mendis leading the charge through an explosive innings. He smashed 87 off 48 deliveries, striking boundaries consistently to keep the required run rate under control and put Pakistan’s bowling attack under sustained pressure.
Kamindu Mendis provided excellent support, scoring an unbeaten 40 off 27 balls. The pair ensured Sri Lanka remained firmly in control during the chase, capitalising on a strong platform and refusing to allow Pakistan’s bowlers to build sustained pressure. Sri Lanka completed the chase comfortably, finishing the series on a positive note.
Farhan’s fighting knock goes in vain
Earlier, Pakistan posted 168/8 in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Captain Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with an impressive 76 off 47 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. He anchored the innings after Pakistan suffered a middle-order collapse.
Arafat Minhas contributed an unbeaten 34 off 20 deliveries, helping Pakistan recover from 102/6 and reach a competitive total. However, the home side’s bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting during the chase.
Dasun Shanaka was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 21 runs, while Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara picked up two wickets apiece. Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory offered encouragement ahead of future assignments, while Pakistan finished the series with a 2-1 advantage after dominating the first two matches.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 168/8 (Sahibzada Farhan 76, Arafat Minhas 34; Dasun Shanaka 3/21) lost to Sri Lanka 172/2 (17.1 overs) (Kusal Mendis 87, Kamindu Mendis 40; Mohammad Imran 1/31) by 8 wickets.
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