Pakistan wrapped up the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a 2-1 win. The final match went to the visitors, who won by eight wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 13.
Sri Lanka chased down Pakistan’s total of 168 for eight with ease. They reached 172 for two in just 17.1 overs. Seventeen balls were still left when they finished the game.
Mendis Leads the Chase
Kusal Mendis was the star of the night. He smashed an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls. His innings included nine fours and four sixes. He was later named Player of the Match.
Kamindu Mendis gave him strong support with 40 not out off 27 balls. The pair added 98 runs for the third wicket. Pakistan’s bowlers had no answer to their clean hitting.
Pakistan Had Already Sealed It
Pakistan had won the first two matches of the series. They won the opener by four wickets on October 9. Then they crushed Sri Lanka by 82 runs on October 11.
In the final match, captain Sahibzada Farhan top-scored for Pakistan with 76 off 47 balls. No other home batter crossed 20. Dasun Shanaka took three wickets for 21 runs to keep Pakistan quiet.
Farhan was named Player of the Series for his steady batting. The win keeps Pakistan sixth in the ICC T20I team rankings. Sri Lanka stayed ninth but picked up one rating point, according to officials.
The chase was never really in doubt. Mendis found the boundary with ease against both pace and spin. Pakistan’s fielding also let them down at key moments, with a couple of half-chances going to ground.
Sri Lanka made one change to their side for the final match. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth came in for Maheesh Theekshana. He bowled his full four overs and picked up one wicket, giving the attack a different look.
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