Sri Lanka secured an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the final T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, with captain Kusal Mendis scoring an unbeaten 87. Despite Sri Lanka’s victory, Pakistan clinched the three-match series 2-1 after winning the opening two games at the same venue.
Chasing a target of 169, Sri Lanka reached 172 for two in 17.1 overs to wrap up the match comfortably. Pakistan had posted 168 for eight in their 20 overs, putting up a competitive total largely thanks to their captain Sahibzada Farhan’s 76 off 47 balls.
Sri Lanka’s chase began shakily as Lahiru Udara fell for one run, but Kusal Mendis quickly settled in. He put together a 59-run partnership with Sineth Jayawardena, who contributed 38 runs off 26 deliveries. After Jayawardena’s dismissal, Kusal joined Kamindu Mendis for an unbeaten 98-run stand that sealed the victory. Kusal’s 48-ball innings included nine fours and four sixes, while Kamindu remained 40 not out from 27 balls.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings was anchored by Farhan, whose 76 runs came with seven fours and three sixes. Despite regular wickets falling around him, Farhan kept Pakistan’s innings moving forward and scored his third fifty in as many matches. Pakistan slipped to 102 for six before Farhan and Arafat Minhas added 66 runs for the seventh wicket. Minhas ended unbeaten on 34 from 20 balls, helping push Pakistan to 168 for eight.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was led by Dasun Shanaka, who took three wickets for 21 runs. Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga chipped in with two wickets each, restricting Pakistan’s scoring in crucial moments.
While Sri Lanka managed to claim the final game, Pakistan’s earlier wins ensured they took the series 2-1. Both teams will now turn their attention to the upcoming ODI tri-series involving England, set to begin in Rawalpindi on October 18.
According to Yahoo Sports.