Sri Lanka signed off their three-match T20I series against Pakistan in style, registering a comfortable eight-wicket victory in the third and final T20I in Rawalpindi. However, Pakistan claimed the series 2-1 after winning the first two encounters.
Having won the toss, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis elected to bowl first, making one change to the playing XI as Vijayakanth Viyaskanth replaced Maheesh Theekshana.
Pakistan posted 168/8 in their allotted 20 overs, with skipper Sahibzada Farhan leading the way with a fluent 76 off 47 deliveries, including 7 fours and 3 sixes.
Dasun Shanaka was the standout performer with the ball for Sri Lanka, claiming 3 wickets for 21 runs with an impressive spell. Fast bowlers Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara provided valuable support, picking up two wickets apiece to restrict the hosts to a competitive total.
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In reply, Sri Lanka made light work of the chase, reaching the target in the 18th over with 8 wickets in hand. Opening batter Sineth Jayawardene provided an aggressive start, scoring 38 off 26 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes to give the visitors early momentum.
Following Jayawardene’s dismissal, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis took control of the innings with an unbeaten 98-run partnership for the third wicket off just 55 deliveries, guiding Sri Lanka to a commanding victory.
Kusal Mendis led from the front with a magnificent unbeaten 87 off 48 balls, striking 9 fours and 4 sixes in a captain’s knock that anchored the successful chase. Kamindu Mendis played a crucial supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 40 off 27 deliveries, including 4 fours.
https://stats.thepapare.com/cricket/match/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-3rd-t20
