Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 14 runs in a rain-shortened third T20, squaring the series 1-1 as both teams prepare for the World Cup
SRI Lanka secured a hard-fought 14-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected third T20 on Sunday, squaring the three-match series 1-1.
The contest was reduced to 12 overs per side, with Sri Lanka posting a competitive 160 before restricting Pakistan to 146 for 8.
The win eased concerns about the hosts’ batting, which had collapsed in the series opener. “We were a bit worried about our batting and I’m glad we addressed that today,” said all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.
Hasaranga was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series after taking four wickets, bringing his T20I tally to 150.
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka’s top order laid a solid platform. Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis blasted 30 off 16 balls during the Power Play.
The middle order then accelerated, with skipper Dasun Shanaka delivering a decisive 34 off just nine deliveries, including five sixes. A blistering 52-run stand between Shanaka and Janith Liyanage from 15 balls shifted the momentum.
Pakistan started their chase aggressively, reaching 50 in 19 balls thanks to captain Salman Agha’s 45 off 12. Once the field spread, however, Sri Lanka’s bowlers applied pressure.
“The bowlers did a good job too,” Hasaranga added. “The ball was wet and it wasn’t easy. We tried to bowl wide and slow and asked them to take risks.”
Pakistan’s captain acknowledged his side conceded too many runs. “It was a good game of cricket,” Agha said. “We conceded too many runs, but our batting effort was good. Unfortunately, we fell short.”
The series served as a warm-up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka due to political tensions with India. “We know we are going to play all our World Cup games in Sri Lanka and it’s important that we played in similar conditions,” Agha noted.
Pakistan had won the first match by six wickets before the second game was washed out by rain.