तिसऱ्या टी-२० सामन्यात श्रीलंकेचा पाकिस्तानवर विजय; कुशल मेंडिस,...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 13 October 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

Sri Lanka Dominates Run Chase in Rawalpindi

Sri Lanka delivered an emphatic performance in the third and final T20 International, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets with 17 balls to spare at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 169, Sri Lanka reached 172 for 2 in 17.1 overs. Captain Kusal Mendis anchored the run chase with an unbeaten 87 off 48 deliveries, supported by Kamindu Mendis, who scored 40 not out off 27 balls.

The victory served as a consolation for Sri Lanka, as Pakistan had already secured the three-match T20I series by winning the first two fixtures. The match saw Sri Lanka's top order capitalize on favorable batting conditions after winning the toss and electing to field.

Early Wickets Restrict Pakistan Before Farhan's Resistance

Earlier in the evening, Pakistan was sent into bat and experienced early top-order stumbles. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing opener Fakhar Zaman for 12 and Maaz Sadaqat for a duck, leaving Pakistan at 34 for 2. Leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth broke a developing partnership by dismissing Hasan Nawaz for 16, while all-rounder Dasun Shanaka dismantled Pakistan's middle order.

Shanaka claimed three key wickets—Khawaja Nafay (3), Mohammad Imran (6), and Abdul Samad (15)—reducing the hosts to 102 for 6 in the 14th over. Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan held the innings together, scoring 76 off 47 balls, featuring seven boundary fours and three sixes. Farhan partnered with Arafat Minhas (34 not out) to build a 66-run stand for the seventh wicket. Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara restricted the home team in the final over, removing Farhan and Razaullah on consecutive deliveries as Pakistan concluded their 20 overs at 168 for 8.

Controlled Batting Secures Victory for Visitors

Sri Lanka’s pursuit began with an early loss when opener Lahiru Udara was dismissed leg-before-wicket for 1 by Mohammad Imran in the second over. However, Sineth Jayawardene stabilized the innings alongside Kusal Mendis, contributing 38 runs off 26 balls before being caught off the bowling of Arafat Minhas.

Following Jayawardene's departure with the score at 74 for 2, Kamindu Mendis joined skipper Kusal Mendis. The duo established an unbroken 98-run partnership for the third wicket. Kusal Mendis brought up his half-century in 33 balls and continued to attack the bowling attack. Sri Lanka crossed the required target in the 18th over, closing out their campaign on a positive note ahead of the upcoming multi-format fixtures.