Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tri-Series: Sri Lanka Crawl to 128 After Tight Pakistan Bowling

Sri Lanka scraped their way to 128 for 9 against Pakistan in the 3rd match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series in Rawalpindi on Saturday, after opting to bat first. The innings never lifted beyond a steady jog as Pakistan’s attack stayed on top from the start, led by a sharp spell from Mohammad Nawaz, who finished with 3 for 14.

Sri Lanka walked out with intent after winning the toss, but Pakistan shut down scoring options early. Kusal Perera tried to push the pace, picked off a few crisp strokes, and reached 25, yet he never broke free. Kamil Mishara’s 22 provided balance, but the pair worked mostly in singles as the ball held up on the pitch.

Pakistan kept the field tight, denied room on the off side, and forced Sri Lanka into long stretches of dot-ball pressure that shaped the innings before the halfway mark.

Liyanage Holds One End as Wickets Fall

Janith Liyanage read the conditions better than anyone in the Sri Lankan lineup. He anchored the innings with an unbeaten 41 off 38 balls, nudging gaps and timing the occasional boundary. His composure stood out, but the innings around him kept sliding.

Every attempt to lift the rate brought a wicket. Sri Lanka’s middle order lost momentum just when they needed a push, leaving Liyanage with rebuilding duties instead of the late charge Sri Lanka desperately wanted.

Nawaz Strikes in the Middle Overs

Nawaz’s spell changed the rhythm of the innings. He attacked the stumps, slipped in clever variations, and removed key middle-order batters before Sri Lanka could settle. His 3 for 14 came in a spell that allowed Pakistan to dictate terms deep into the innings.

Salman Mirza hit hard lengths and picked up one. Faheem Ashraf chipped in with one more, and Abrar Ahmed added pressure with a sharp turn. Each wicket stalled Sri Lanka’s hopes of crossing 140, and the innings closed with singles and scrambled runs rather than late fireworks.

Pakistan Face a Manageable Chase

The target of 129 sits comfortably within Pakistan’s range on this surface. Their top order will look for a steady start to avoid handing Sri Lanka early momentum. With dew expected later in the night, Pakistan holds the advantage, but an early burst from Sri Lanka’s seamers could still spark a contest.