Shanaka, Hasaranga Shine as Sri Lanka Beat Pakistan in Rain-Hit T20I Decider

Sri Lanka held their nerve under lights and rain at Dambulla to clinch a dramatic 14-run win over Pakistan in the third and final T20I on Sunday, drawing the three-match series 1-1 after the second game was washed out. In a contest reduced to 12 overs per side following multiple rain interruptions, Sri Lanka made better use of the shortened format, pairing late hitting with decisive bowling to settle the series.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to field, hoping early breakthroughs would blunt Sri Lanka’s intent on a damp surface. Instead, the hosts came out swinging, fully aware that par scores no longer applied in a curtailed match.

Sri Lanka Cash In On Shortened Contest

Sri Lanka’s innings was built on urgency rather than caution. Kamil Mishara set the tone immediately and added 20 from just eight deliveries. Kusal Mendis followed suit and scored 30 off 16 balls.

Pakistan briefly regained control through Mohammad Wasim Jr, who mixed his lengths cleverly and picked up three wickets, but the momentum never truly shifted. Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka ensured the innings did not stall and kept the run rate climbing. 

Captain Dasun Shanaka walked in with license to attack and delivered a stunning finish, hammering an unbeaten 34 off just nine balls. Five of those deliveries disappeared over the ropes, turning a competitive total into a daunting one. Sri Lanka closed on 160 for 6, a total that reflected both execution and clarity of intent.

Hasaranga Tilts The Chase

Pakistan’s response began with promise, as Captain Salman Ali Agha (45 of 12 balls) added quick runs in the powerplay. At that stage, the required rate remained within reach and Pakistan appeared well placed.

That changed rapidly once Wanindu Hasaranga was introduced. The leg-spinner produced a spell that swung the match in the space of a few overs, using flight and pace variations to expose Pakistan’s middle order. His four-wicket burst dismantled the chase, removing set batters and forcing new players to take risks from ball one.

Despite late resistance from Mohammad Nawaz (28 of 15) and Faheem Ashraf (9 of 3), Pakistan struggled to keep up with the escalating required rate. Boundaries dried up, singles were no longer enough, and Sri Lanka’s fielding added further pressure. Pakistan eventually closed on 146 for 8, falling 14 runs short of the target.

The result capped a frenetic, rain-hit series that never quite found rhythm but delivered a fitting finish, and now the 3-match T20I series is drawn (1-1).