In a high-octane encounter heavily truncated by rain, Sri Lanka displayed superior death-overs execution to defeat Pakistan by 14 runs. The victory, achieved in a match reduced to 12 overs per side, ensured the three-match T20 international series ended in a 1-1 draw, after the second fixture was abandoned and Pakistan claimed the opener.
The Shanaka Blitz: A Final Over Masterclass
The decisive moment of the match arrived during the final over of the Sri Lankan innings. Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka provided a breathtaking display of power hitting against Pakistani pacer Mohammad Wasim. Shanaka cleared the boundary with three consecutive sixes off the first three balls, as the hosts plundered 24 runs from the over. This late-innings surge propelled Sri Lanka to a daunting total of 160/6.
Pakistan’s Chase Stutters at the Finish
Chasing a required run rate of 13.33 per over, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha led from the front with a ferocious 45 runs off just 12 deliveries. At 60/2 in the fourth over, Pakistan looked to be in the ascendancy. However, the introduction of Wanindu Hasaranga changed the complexion of the game. The leg-spinner dismantled the middle order, finishing with remarkable figures of 4/35.
Needing 20 runs from the final over to secure the series, Pakistan’s lower order crumbled under the pressure of Eshan Malinga’s disciplined bowling. The over began with a panicked run-out of Faheem Ashraf, and despite several wide deliveries from Malinga, Mohammad Wasim failed to connect with any of the four legitimate balls he faced. Pakistan ultimately finished on 146/8, falling 14 runs short.
Table: Match Summary – 3rd T20I (Dambulla)
| Category | Sri Lanka (12 Overs) | Pakistan (12 Overs) |
| Total Score | 160/6 | 146/8 |
| Leading Batsman | Dasun Shanaka (34 off 9) | Salman Ali Agha (45 off 12) |
| Leading Bowler | Wanindu Hasaranga (4/35) | Mohammad Wasim (3/54) |
| Boundary Count | 14 Sixes, 8 Fours | 11 Sixes, 10 Fours |
| Run Rate | 13.33 | 12.16 |
| Match Result | Sri Lanka won by 14 runs | Series Drawn 1-1 |
Statistical Highlights
Dasun Shanaka’s strike rate of 377.78 was the highest in the match, with 30 of his 34 runs coming via sixes.
Wanindu Hasaranga was deservedly named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his consistent wicket-taking ability and economy under pressure.
Mohammad Wasim experienced a polarising match, taking 3 wickets but conceding an expensive 54 runs in 3 overs, largely due to the final-over onslaught.
The result marks a resilient comeback for the Lions, who managed to defend a total on a ground that historically favours the chasing side in shortened formats.