Sri Lanka Triumphs Over Pakistan in Rain-Shortened 3rd T20I to Even Series

Sri Lanka secured a narrow 14-run victory over Pakistan in the third T20 match at a rain-affected Dambulla on Sunday, alleviating their batting concerns and leveling the three-game series at 1-1. The series serves as a preparation for the T20 World Cup, with Pakistan playing all its matches in Sri Lanka due to political tensions with India. Pakistan won the first match by six wickets, while the second was washed out due to rain.

“We were concerned about our batting, and I’m pleased we addressed that today,” said Wanindu Hasaranga, who earned both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honors. “Our bowlers also performed well under difficult conditions with a wet ball. We aimed to bowl wide and slow, encouraging them to take risks,” he added. Hasaranga claimed four wickets, reaching the milestone of 150 wickets in T20Is.

In a match reduced to 12 overs per side, Sri Lanka reached a formidable 160 before restricting Pakistan to 146-8. After being bowled out in under 20 overs in the first match, Sri Lanka needed a strong batting performance and delivered after being put in to bat first.

The top order set the foundation while the middle order finished strongly. Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis exploited the PowerPlay to score 30 off 16 balls, with contributions from Dhananjaya de Silva (22 off 15) and Charith Asalanka (21 off 13) keeping the runs flowing.

Captain Dasun Shanaka dramatically shifted the momentum, hitting 34 off just nine balls with five massive sixes. A crucial sixth-wicket partnership between Shanaka and Janith Liyanage added 52 runs in only 15 balls, turning the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Pakistan began their chase aggressively, reaching 50 in just 19 balls with captain Salman Agha scoring 45 off 12 balls, including five fours and three sixes. However, once the field was spread, Sri Lanka tightened their grip, and the required run rate escalated.

“It was a good game of cricket,” Agha commented. “We gave away too many runs, but our batting was strong. Unfortunately, we fell short. Playing in Sri Lanka is crucial for our preparation for the World Cup,” he added.

Published on January 12, 2026.