Sri Lanka Power to 160 in Rain-Shortened Series Decider Against Pakistan

Sri Lanka seized control of the rain-hit third and final T20I against Pakistan with a ferocious batting display after the match was trimmed to a 12-overs-a-side contest at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday. Put in to bat after Pakistan won the toss, the hosts piled on 160 for 6, leaving the visitors with a steep chase and the series firmly in the balance.

With overcast skies still threatening, Sri Lanka wasted no time exploiting the shortened format. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara attacked from the first over, setting a brisk tempo that immediately put Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure. Mishara, in particular, went after anything remotely loose, racing to 20 off just eight balls before falling while trying to maintain the momentum.

The early aggression allowed Sri Lanka’s middle order to play with freedom. Kusal Mendis ensured the innings did not lose shape, striking a fluent 30 from 16 deliveries, rotating the strike smartly before picking his moments to clear the infield. As wickets fell at the other end, Sri Lanka never let the run rate dip.

Shanaka’s Late Onslaught Pushes Sri Lanka Beyond Par 

The decisive phase came in the final three overs, when Dasun Shanaka turned the contest on its head. The Sri Lankan captain produced a breathtaking finish, hammering 34 from only nine balls. His innings, highlighted by five towering sixes, electrified the crowd and pushed the total well beyond par for a 12-over game. Janith Liyanage added valuable support with a rapid 22 off eight balls, ensuring Pakistan were left chasing a daunting target.

Pakistan’s bowlers found little respite on a surface offering minimal margin for error. Mohammad Wasim Jr emerged as the lone bright spot, claiming three wickets through clever variations at the death. Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf picked up a wicket apiece, but the damage had already been done during the power-hitting surge.

At the interval, Pakistan were staring at a required rate of 13.41 per over to reach 161 and clinch both the match and the series. With the weather still unpredictable and the pressure of a series decider looming, the stage was set for a high-stakes chase under lights in Dambulla.

Pakistan Playing XI

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka (c), Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana