3rd T20I: Hasaranga leads the fightback as Sri Lanka edge Pakistan to level series 1-1

Sri Lanka eased lingering doubts over their batting by grinding out a hard-fought 14-run victory over Pakistan in the third T20I at a rain-hit Dambulla on Sunday, squaring the three-match series 1-1 and gaining timely momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup.

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The series, serving as a warm-up for the global tournament, has carried added significance for Pakistan, who will play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka due to ongoing political tensions with neighbours India. Pakistan won the opening match by six wickets before rain washed out the second encounter, setting up a decider shortened to 12 overs per side.




Asked to bat, Sri Lanka responded with purpose after being bowled out cheaply in the series opener. The hosts piled up a competitive 160, with contributions flowing through the order. Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis set the tone in the Powerplay with a brisk 30 off 16 balls, while Dhananjaya de Silva (22 off 15) and Charith Asalanka (21 off 13) ensured the momentum did not dip.

Captain Dasun Shanaka then provided the decisive surge, smashing 34 off just nine deliveries, including five towering sixes. His sixth-wicket partnership with Janith Liyanage yielded 52 runs in a mere 15 balls and proved to be the turning point of the contest.


Pakistan’s reply began explosively, with skipper Salman Agha racing to 45 off just 12 balls as the visitors surged to 50 in 19 deliveries. However, once the field spread and the wet ball became harder to control, Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the noose.

Wanindu Hasaranga led the charge superbly, claiming four wickets to complete 150 T20I scalps and earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours. Pakistan were restricted to 146 for 8, falling 14 runs short.

“We were a bit worried about our batting and I’m glad we addressed that today,” Hasaranga said. “The ball was wet and it wasn’t easy. We tried to bowl wide and slow and asked them to take risks.”

Agha acknowledged the learning curve for his side, saying, “We conceded too many runs, but our batting effort was good. Playing in these conditions is important with the World Cup coming up.”


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