Sri Lanka produced an impressive all-round performance to defeat Pakistan and secure a consolation victory in the 3rd T20. Although Pakistan had already clinched the series, the visitors finished on a positive note ahead of their upcoming tri-series.
Pakistan struggled to make the most of their batting opportunity. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka chased down the target with confidence and showed greater control throughout the contest.
Pakistan’s top-order batters had carried much of the scoring burden in the previous matches. However, the final game presented an opportunity for the middle order to step up. Unfortunately, the batters failed to make a significant impact.
Sahibzada Farhan stood out as Pakistan’s main contributor. He battled through a difficult innings before Arafat Minhas joined him at the crease. Their partnership helped Pakistan reach a total of 168 runs.
Nevertheless, the overall score left Pakistan with plenty of work to do. Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the scoring under control and prevented the hosts from building a much bigger total.
Dasun Shanaka led the attack with an excellent spell. He claimed three wickets for just 21 runs in his four overs. In addition, leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth applied pressure during the middle overs and restricted Pakistan’s scoring opportunities.
As a result, Sri Lanka entered the chase with a manageable target of 169 runs in 3rd T20 against Pakistan.
Sri Lanka began their pursuit aggressively against Pakistan’s fast bowlers. The visitors attacked the new ball and collected 59 runs during the Powerplay.
Although the opening batters did not look entirely comfortable against Pakistan’s pace, they maintained a healthy scoring rate. Moreover, the required run rate remained under control, allowing Sri Lanka to approach the chase without unnecessary pressure.
Sineth Jayawardena failed to convert his start into a substantial innings. However, the Mendis brothers took responsibility and guided their side towards victory.
They combined effectively to keep the chase on track. Consequently, Pakistan struggled to find the breakthroughs needed to turn the match around.
During the innings, Kusal Mendis also reached a significant milestone by becoming Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in T20 internationals.
Pakistan needed early wickets to defend their modest total. However, they managed just one breakthrough during the Powerplay.
That proved costly as Sri Lanka established a strong foundation for the chase in 3rd T20 against Pakistan. Furthermore, the visitors continued to manage the innings effectively and avoided giving Pakistan a realistic opportunity to recover.
Pakistan’s bowlers needed sustained pressure and regular wickets to challenge Sri Lanka. Instead, the visitors kept moving towards the target with composure.
The biggest concern for Pakistan, however, was their batting performance. Their total of 168 left little room for error, especially against a Sri Lankan side that found its rhythm early in the chase.
Pakistan secured the three-match series, but Sri Lanka gained a valuable victory in the final encounter. The result will provide a welcome confidence boost for Kusal Mendis and his teammates before their upcoming tri-series assignment.
Shanaka’s disciplined bowling, the top order’s positive approach and the Mendis brothers’ contribution made the difference. Meanwhile, Pakistan will need to improve their middle-order performance and find ways to defend competitive totals more effectively.
Ultimately, Sri Lanka delivered when it mattered most in the final game. The victory offered a timely reminder of their potential and gave the team renewed momentum heading into its next challenge.