Eshan Malinga Double Strike Snaps Pakistan Momentum in 3rd T20I Powerplay

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling unit bounced back forcefully to salvage early ground during the high-stakes PAK vs SL 3rd T20I powerplay, restricting a formidable Pakistan side to 57/2 within the opening 6 overs.

Having won the toss and elected to field at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis desperately searched for early breakthroughs to prevent another batting onslaught. His frontline seamers responded to the call immediately, with Eshan Malinga emerging as the standout destroyer by dismantling the hosts' early momentum with a clinical double-strike.

• PAKISTAN: 57/2 (6.0 overs)
• Current Run Rate: 9.50 rpo
• Eshan Malinga: 2-1-13-2

Pakistan opened their innings with intent, looking to recreate the dominant form that previously propelled them to a 2-0 lead in the PAK vs SL 3rd T20I bilateral series. However, Malinga quickly altered the script, delivering a spectacular maiden over and capturing two crucial wickets of Fakhar Zaman (12) and Maaz Sadaqat (0) for just 13 runs across his opening spell to keep the batting side's explosive top-order at bay.

Despite losing their wickets early to Malinga's precise variations, the hosts didn't completely retreat. Driven by a counter-attacking cameo from skipper Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan managed to maintain an aggressive scoring rate of 9.50 runs per over heading into the middle overs. The encounter remains finely poised as Sri Lanka continues their hunt for more breakthroughs on a batting-friendly surface.