Sri Lanka fought back with determination to secure a thrilling 14-run victory over Pakistan in the rain-affected third T20I at Dambulla on Sunday, thereby leveling the three-match series. The contest, reduced to 12 overs per side due to persistent showers, saw Sri Lanka post a challenging total of 160, thanks largely to a scintillating bowling performance from Wanindu Hasaranga, who claimed 4 for 35.
The match was delayed for over two hours due to rain, and upon winning the toss, Pakistan elected to field first. Sri Lanka’s innings was a mixture of aggression and setbacks, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. Opener Kamil Mishara provided an explosive start, hitting three fours and a six in quick succession before being dismissed in the second over. Earlier, Pathum Nissanka fell for a two-ball duck, adding early pressure. Both Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Charith Asalanka managed to cross 20 runs but were unable to build a substantial partnership.
The innings’ highlight was a blistering 52-run stand between captain Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage, compiled off just 15 deliveries. Arriving together in the 10th over, the pair unleashed six sixes and three fours, including three consecutive sixes from Shanaka at the start of the final over. Shanaka’s dismissal off the fourth ball of the over was mitigated by a boundary from Liyanage on the last delivery, ensuring Sri Lanka concluded at a competitive 160/6.
Chasing 161, Pakistan started positively but lost Shahibzada Farhan early. Captain Salman Agha, coming in at number three, produced a flurry of boundaries, scoring 22 runs in both the second and third overs. However, Matheesha Pathirana broke the momentum by catching Agha at fine-leg in the fourth over. Hasaranga then took centre stage, removing Saim Ayub and Usman Khan in the next over, turning the tide decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Although Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Nawas added a 49-run partnership to keep Pakistan in the contest, Hasaranga returned in the 10th over to dismiss both, including Shadab Khan. With 20 required off the final over, Faheem Ashraf’s run-out and Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on extras meant they fell 14 runs short.
Match Summary Table:
| Team | Score (Overs) | Top Performer (Bat) | Top Performer (Bowl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 160/6 (12 overs) | Dasun Shanaka 34 | Mohammad Wasim Jr 3-54 |
| Pakistan | 146/8 (12 overs) | Salman Agha 45 | Wanindu Hasaranga 4-35 |
Sri Lanka’s victory was a blend of resilient batting and clinical bowling, with Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance proving decisive. The series now heads into the final T20I, with both teams eager to claim the decider.