DAMBULLA: Sri Lanka produced a composed all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 14 runs in the third T20 International at rain-affected Dambulla on Sunday, squaring the three-match series 1-1 and easing concerns over their batting form ahead of the T20 World Cup.
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The match, reduced to 12 overs per side due to rain, saw Sri Lanka post a competitive 160 for six after being sent in. Pakistan replied with 146 for eight despite a blistering knock from captain Salman Ali Agha.
Wanindu Hasaranga starred with the ball, claiming four wickets and completing 150 wickets in T20 Internationals. His performance earned him both Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
“We were a bit worried about our batting and I’m glad we addressed that today,” Hasaranga said. “The ball was wet and not easy to grip, so we tried to bowl wide and slow and forced them to take risks.”
Sri Lanka’s top order provided a solid base, with wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis smashing 30 off 16 balls during the powerplay. Dhananjaya de Silva (22) and Charith Asalanka (21) kept the momentum going before skipper Dasun Shanaka turned the game decisively with a rapid 34 off just nine balls, including five sixes.
The sixth-wicket partnership between Shanaka and Janith Liyanage yielded 52 runs in only 15 balls and proved pivotal in lifting Sri Lanka to a challenging total.
Pakistan began their chase aggressively, racing to 50 in just 19 balls, led by Salman Ali Agha’s explosive 45 off 12 deliveries. However, once the field spread, Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the screws, forcing the asking rate to climb sharply.
“We conceded too many runs, but our batting effort was good,” Salman said after the match. “Unfortunately, we fell short. Playing in Sri Lanka is important for us as all our World Cup matches will be here.”
The series, serving as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, had earlier seen Pakistan win the opening match before the second game was washed out without a ball being bowled.
