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Sri Lanka staged a strong comeback in the third T20 international as captain Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka helped deny Pakistan a clean sweep of the series. Mendis smashed an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls, while Shanaka claimed three wickets to restrict Pakistan’s scoring in the middle overs. Despite Sahibzada Farhan’s impressive 76, Pakistan finished on 168 for eight before Sri Lanka chased down the target with eight wickets to spare. Pakistan had already secured the three-match series with victories in the first two games, finishing with a 2–1 series win.
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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20 Match Result
Sri Lanka secured an impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the third T20 match in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, denying the hosts a clean sweep in the three-match series. Captain Kusal Mendis led the successful chase with an unbeaten 87 not out off 48 balls, helping Sri Lanka reach 172-2 in 17.1 overs after Pakistan had posted 168-8. The result demonstrated Sri Lanka’s improvement across the three facets of the game following defeats in the first two matches.
Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan produced an outstanding innings of 76 off 47 balls, contributing to the home team’s competitive total. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers recovered during the middle overs and restricted Pakistan’s scoring before the visitors delivered a commanding batting performance. The victory highlighted the importance of partnerships, disciplined bowling and effective execution under pressure in T20 cricket.
Pakistan had won the first game by four wickets and dominated the second game with an 82-run victory, putting them in a strong position to complete the series clean sweep. Sri Lanka’s response in the final match prevented that outcome and provided encouragement ahead of the upcoming ODI tri-series involving England. The teams are scheduled to return to action in Rawalpindi on Sunday, with Sri Lanka looking to build on its comeback.
Kusal Mendis Leads Sri Lanka’s Run Chase
Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan captain, responded to scores of 1 and 9 in his previous two appearances with a match-winning unbeaten 87 off 48 balls. His innings featured nine fours and four sixes, combining controlled stroke play with brutal power-hitting when the opportunity arose. Mendis took charge of the run chase, ensuring Sri Lanka remained ahead of the required rate while keeping wickets in hand.
Mendis received excellent support from Kamindu Mendis, who finished unbeaten on 40 off 27 balls. Their match-winning 98-run stand off 55 balls gave Sri Lanka control after the early stages of the innings. The partnership allowed the visitors to maintain momentum and capitalise on gaps in Pakistan’s fielding, turning a potentially challenging chase into a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters, particularly when they missed lengths and allowed scoring opportunities. Razaullah and Salman Mirza were unable to break the partnership before it took the match away from the hosts. Sri Lanka’s effective power play, confident batting partnership and sustained chase control demonstrated a significant improvement in its overall batting performance.
Pakistan Batting and Sahibzada Farhan’s Performance
Sahibzada Farhan delivered a strong performance for the Pakistan skipper’s side, scoring 76 off 47 balls as the home team reached 168-8. His innings provided the foundation for a competitive total and helped Pakistan recover from setbacks during the innings. Although the score was substantial, Sri Lanka’s bowlers prevented Pakistan from producing a decisive finish and restricted the team’s ability to build sustained momentum.
Pakistan suffered an early setback when Maaz Sadaqat departed for a three-ball duck, while Fakhar Zaman managed only 12 runs before falling to Eshan Malinga at short third. Malinga’s dismissal of Fakhar proved a prized wicket, adding pressure to the middle order. Former captain Dasun Shanaka then played a key role during the middle overs, leaving Pakistan struggling at 102-6 in the 14th over.
Pakistan attempted to accelerate during the death overs, with Salman Mirza finishing with bowling figures of 0-40 in the wider match context supplied. Pakistan added 59 runs in the last five overs, demonstrating some late scoring despite the earlier collapse. However, the loss of wickets and mounting batting pressure prevented the hosts from reaching a total that could withstand Sri Lanka’s powerful chase.
Sri Lanka Bowling and Dasun Shanaka’s Triple
Dasun Shanaka, the former captain, delivered an important three-wicket performance, finishing with figures of 3-21. His impact came during the middle overs, when Pakistan were attempting to rebuild after losing early wickets. Shanaka’s ability to take wickets at crucial moments helped ensure that Pakistan were restricted to 102-6 in the 14th over, disrupting their plans for a strong finish.
The bowling effort was supported by Eshan Malinga, who removed Maaz Sadaqat and Fakhar Zaman, and spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, who returned figures of 1-23. Their combined efforts created a productive bowling partnership and put Pakistan under sustained pressure. Nuwan Thushara also claimed 2-38, adding to Sri Lanka’s wicket-taking contribution as the innings progressed.
The closing stages included decisive moments involving Shanaka and Pakistan’s lower order. The supplied match details note final two balls, a top-edged ball and Shanaka’s dismissal of Razaullah, who was clean bowled. These incidents reinforced the importance of Sri Lanka’s wicket-taking performance in limiting Pakistan’s late acceleration. By combining timely breakthroughs with pressure during the middle overs, Sri Lanka kept the target within reach of its batters.
Team Changes and Key Match Incidents
Pakistan made changes to its lineup during the three-match series, with frontline players including Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub among the rested players referenced in the supplied details. The changes formed part of the team’s management of the series, but the final match exposed weaknesses in its bowling and its ability to defend a competitive total. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, took advantage of opportunities to regain confidence after two defeats.
Among the notable batting contributions was Sineth Jayawardena, who scored 38 runs, while Lahiru Udara and other players featured in the match’s key incidents. Pakistan’s Mohammad Imran was involved in a first-ball lbw decision that prompted attention to TV replays, the position of the off stump and the possibility of a review. Such moments showed how decisions and individual contributions shaped the rhythm of the contest.
Other incidents included a difficult return catch involving Arafat Minhas, a missed stumping chance against Khawaja Nafay and concerns about a little finger injury. Minhas also finished with 34 not out, while a run-out chance at the striker’s end offered another potential turning point. In the second T20, Razaullah had scored 37 runs off 19 balls, illustrating the attacking potential Pakistan had shown earlier in the series.
Match Summary and Upcoming ODI Tri-Series
The final match saw Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan by eight wickets, reaching 172-2 after Pakistan scored 168-8. Kusal Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten 87, while Kamindu Mendis contributed an unbeaten 40. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 76, but Dasun Shanaka, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth helped restrict the hosts and set up Sri Lanka’s successful response.
The result prevented Pakistan from completing a clean sweep after the hosts won the first game by four wickets and the visitors suffered an 82-run defeat in the second. Pakistan’s 215-run total in the earlier match had highlighted its batting strength, but Sri Lanka’s final-game performance showed greater control across bowling and batting. The comeback provided a positive end to the T20 series for Sri Lanka and exposed areas Pakistan may need to address before its next fixtures.
Attention now turns to the upcoming England ODI tri-series, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and the first game on Sunday. Both teams will look to carry lessons from the T20 contest into the next stage of international cricket. Sri Lanka will aim to maintain its improved form, while Pakistan will seek a stronger bowling response and more consistent performances across the innings. The series finale has added interest to the upcoming fixtures and given Sri Lanka momentum heading into the next competition.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket victory in the final T20I gave the visitors a positive finish after Pakistan dominated the opening two matches. Kusal Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten 87, while Kamindu Mendis supported him with 40 not out to guide Sri Lanka to the target in just 17.1 overs. Dasun Shanaka also played a crucial role with the ball, taking three wickets and limiting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities. Although Pakistan missed the chance to complete a clean sweep, its 2–1 series victory marked a successful start to Sahibzada Farhan’s tenure as T20 captain. Both teams will now turn their attention to the upcoming ODI tri-series involving England.
FAQs
Who won the third T20 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka won the third T20 international by eight wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 13, 2026, preventing Pakistan from completing a series clean sweep.
How did Kusal Mendis perform in the final T20I?
Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls, including nine fours and four sixes, to lead Sri Lanka to victory.
What was the final result of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20 series?
Pakistan won the three-match T20I series 2–1 after winning the first two matches before Sri Lanka claimed the final game.
How did Dasun Shanaka contribute to Sri Lanka’s victory?
Dasun Shanaka took three wickets for 21 runs, helping restrict Pakistan to 168 for eight in its 20 overs.
Who was the top scorer for Pakistan in the third T20 match?
Sahibzada Farhan was Pakistan’s leading batter, scoring 76 runs off 47 balls to help his team post 168 for eight.
Muhammad Bilal