The Aryavarth Express
Dambulla [Sri Lanka], January 12: A blistering cameo by captain Dasun Shanaka and a decisive spell from Wanindu Hasaranga powered Sri Lanka to a 14-run victory over Pakistan in the rain-affected third T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday, helping the hosts level the three-match series 1-1.
The match was reduced to 12 overs per side due to rain. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Sri Lanka had an early setback as opener Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Naseem Shah. Kamil Mishara (20 off 8 balls) also departed quickly, leaving the hosts at 20/2 in 1.5 overs. Kusal Mendis (30 off 16) and Dhananjaya de Silva (22 off 15) steadied the innings with a brisk recovery, taking Sri Lanka to 54 in five overs.
Charith Asalanka chipped in with a quick 21 off 13 balls, but it was skipper Dasun Shanaka who provided the late onslaught. Shanaka smashed 34 runs off just nine deliveries, including five sixes, and added a rapid 52-run stand in 15 balls with Janith Liyanage (22 off 8) to propel Sri Lanka to a formidable 160/6 in 12 overs.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Wasim Jr was the standout bowler with three wickets, though he conceded 54 runs in his three overs.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase began on a shaky note as opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for nine by Eshan Malinga. Captain Salman Agha then counter-attacked with a sensational 45 off just 12 balls, smashing three sixes and four boundaries to push Pakistan past 60 inside four overs. However, his dismissal, along with the quick wickets of Saim Ayub and Usman Khan, left Pakistan reeling at 67/3 in 4.5 overs.
Mohammad Nawaz (28 off 15) and Khawaja Nafay (26 off 15) attempted to revive the innings with a 49-run partnership, but after their departures, Pakistan failed to sustain the momentum. They eventually finished at 146/8 in 12 overs, falling short by 14 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, claiming four wickets for 35 runs in three overs, while Matheesha Pathirana supported him with two scalps.
With this win, Sri Lanka drew level in the T20I series at 1-1. Pakistan had won the opening match, while the second T20I was washed out due to rain.
