Sri Lanka eked out a hard-fought 14-run victory over Pakistan within the third T20 at rain-hit Dambulla on Sunday, easing its batting jitters and squaring the three-match collection 1-1.
The collection, a warm-up for the T20 World Cup with Pakistan set to play all its matches in Sri Lanka as a result of political tensions with neighbour India, noticed the customer clinch the opener by six wickets earlier than rain washed out the second recreation.
“We have been a bit nervous about our batting, and I’m glad we addressed that at this time,” stated Wanindu Hasaranga, who walked away with each Participant of the Match and Participant of the Collection honours.
“The bowlers did job, too. The ball was moist, and it wasn’t simple. We tried to bowl extensive and gradual and requested them to take dangers,” he added.
Hasaranga took 4 wickets within the recreation and within the course of accomplished 150 wickets in T20Is.
In a contest trimmed to 12 overs a aspect, Sri Lanka muscled its option to a aggressive 160 earlier than choking Pakistan to 146-8.
Having been bowled out inside 20 overs within the collection opener, Sri Lanka wanted an announcement with the bat and duly ticked each field after being put in.
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The highest order laid the platform and the center order utilized the ending touches.
Wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis made hay beneath the PowerPlay, blasting 30 off 16 balls whereas Dhananjaya de Silva (22 off 15) and Charith Asalanka (21 off 13) saved the scoreboard ticking.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka then swung the momentum decisively, clubbing 34 off simply 9 deliveries, peppered with 5 towering sixes. The sixth-wicket stand between Shanaka and Janith Liyanage produced 52 runs in simply 15 balls and proved the turning level, shifting the sport firmly in Sri Lanka’s approach.
Pakistan got here out swinging in reply, racing to 50 in simply 19 balls with captain Salman Agha hammering 45 off 12 balls, together with 5 fours and three sixes.
However as soon as the sector unfold, Sri Lanka tightened the screws, utilized the choke and compelled the asking charge to spiral.
“It was recreation of cricket,” Agha stated.
“We conceded too many runs, however our batting effort was good. Sadly, we fell brief. We all know we’re going to play all our World Cup video games in Sri Lanka, and it’s essential that we play in comparable circumstances,” he added.
Revealed on Jan 12, 2026