Hasaranga and Shanaka star in Sri Lanka's series-leveling T20 win against Pakistan
Sri Lanka secured a dramatic 14-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-shortened third T20 International on Sunday, drawing the three-match series 1-1 and claiming its first home T20 win against Pakistan since 2012.
In a contest reduced to 12 overs per side, a late-order onslaught from Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka proved decisive. Shanaka blasted 34 runs off just nine deliveries, including five sixes, to propel the hosts to a formidable total of 160-6 after Pakistan elected to field.
Pakistan's chase began explosively, with skipper Salman Ali Agha matching the aggression by hammering 45 off 12 balls, reducing the target to 101 within the first four overs. However, the game turned on key interventions from Sri Lanka's bowlers. Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana (2-34) dismissed the dangerous Agha, while star wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (4-35) derailed the middle order with four crucial wickets.
A 49-run partnership between Mohammad Nawaz (28) and debutant Khawaja Nafay (26) offered Pakistan hope, but disciplined death bowling sealed the win. With 30 needed off the final two overs, Pathirana clean-bowled Nawaz, and Eshan Malinga conceded only five runs in the final over to restrict Pakistan to 146-8.
Series and Context
The series, split after Pakistan won the first match and the second was washed out, served as vital preparation for next month’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan is scheduled to play all its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's batting flourish was a collective effort. Opener Kamil Mishara (20 off 8), Kusal Mendis (30 off 16), and Charith Asalanka (21 off 13) maintained a rapid pace in challenging, wet conditions. The final three overs yielded 58 runs, with Shanaka hitting three consecutive sixes off Mohammad Wasim in the last over.
Both teams now turn to final World Cup tune-ups: Pakistan hosts Australia in a three-match T20 series, while Sri Lanka will welcome England for a white-ball series later this month.
