Sri Lanka delivered a stunning comeback against Pakistan in the final match of their three-game T20 series. While Pakistan had already clinched the series, Sri Lanka dominated the third T20 played in Rawalpindi with an emphatic 8-wicket victory. Powered by an unbeaten 87-run innings from captain Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka chased down the target of 169 runs in just 17.1 overs, losing only two wickets.
Kusal Mendis Sparks Sri Lanka’s Chase
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a rocky start with Lahiru Udara dismissed cheaply. However, Kusal Mendis countered the bowling attack with aggression and skill, compiling a quickfire 87 from 48 balls that included nine fours and four sixes. He steadied the innings with a brisk 59-run partnership for the second wicket alongside Shineth Jayawardene, putting Sri Lanka on course for victory.
After Jayawardene’s dismissal, Mendis found an able ally in Kamindu Mendis. Together, they posted a crucial unbeaten 98-run partnership for the third wicket. Kamindu contributed a quick 40 runs off 27 deliveries, sealing the match for Sri Lanka with calm composure.
Bowling Efforts & Pakistan’s Struggles
Pakistan, having lost the toss, batted first but struggled to build momentum. The team managed 168 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Dasun Shanaka led the bowling with a strong performance, taking 3 wickets for just 21 runs. Rekindled spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskantha, playing in place of Mahish Tikshana, delivered 4 overs conceding 23 runs and claiming a wicket, effectively stalling Pakistan’s scoring rate in the middle overs.
In addition, bowlers Ishan Malinga and Nuwan Tushara contributed with two wickets each, ensuring Pakistan failed to post a challenging total.
On the batting side, Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan stood out again by scoring 76 runs off 47 balls, marking three consecutive fifties in the series. Unfortunately for the Pakistani side, he lacked consistent support from other batsmen, resulting in an underwhelming team total and the failure to complete a series clean sweep.
The defeat ended Pakistan’s hopes for a comprehensive whitewash in the T20 match-up against Sri Lanka. Despite the loss, Pakistan had already won the series by taking the first two matches, but Sri Lanka’s dominance in the final game demonstrated resilience and skill.
Sri Lanka’s captain Kusal Mendis emerged as the match’s star, showcasing aggressive batting to outplay Pakistan’s bowling attack. His explosive innings combined with solid partnerships helped Sri Lanka dominate the chase from start to finish.
Overall, the final T20I highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, with Sri Lanka ending on a high note and Pakistan reflecting on missed opportunities despite a strong start to the series.
