Kusal Mendis produced a record-breaking innings to guide Sri Lanka to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third and final Twenty20 international at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Although the visitors ended the series on a high, Pakistan had already secured the series by winning the first two matches.
Chasing a target of 169, Sri Lanka reached 169 for two with 17 balls remaining, thanks largely to Mendis’s outstanding performance. He struck 87 off just 48 deliveries, hitting nine fours and four sixes to put the visitors firmly in control of the run chase.
His innings also carried historic significance. Mendis moved past Pathum Nissanka to become Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in men’s T20 internationals, taking his career tally to 2,791 runs. Nissanka had previously held the record with 2,784 runs.
Mendis’s aggressive approach ensured Sri Lanka maintained a strong scoring rate throughout the chase. He found the boundary regularly and punished loose deliveries, keeping the required run rate comfortably within reach. His contribution laid the foundation for a convincing finish after Pakistan had posted a competitive total.
Kamindu Mendis provided valuable support, remaining unbeaten on 40 from 27 balls. Sinet Jayawardene also contributed 28 from 26 deliveries as Sri Lanka completed the chase with eight wickets in hand.
Pakistan had already secured the series
The victory offered Sri Lanka some consolation after a difficult opening two matches. Pakistan had won the first encounter by four wickets despite Sri Lanka scoring 182 for eight.
The hosts produced an even stronger performance in the second match, scoring 215 runs before restricting Sri Lanka to 133 for seven. Pakistan’s 82-run victory gave them an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
In the final match, Pakistan batted first and made 168 for eight. Their total gave the home side a reasonable platform, but Sri Lanka’s top-order response proved too strong. Mendis’s innings changed the contest, while the support from Kamindu Mendis and Jayawardene ensured there was no late collapse.
The result prevented Pakistan from completing a clean sweep, although the hosts still finished the series as winners. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, gained confidence from their performance and saw Mendis establish a new individual milestone.
A landmark moment for Mendis
Reaching the top of Sri Lanka’s T20 international run charts marks a significant achievement for Mendis, whose innings combined patience with calculated aggression. His 87-run effort was decisive not only in securing the match but also in taking him beyond Nissanka’s previous national record.
For Sri Lanka, the final victory provided a positive ending to a series in which Pakistan had dominated the first two games. For Mendis, it was a memorable night in Rawalpindi, with a match-winning performance and a place at the top of his country’s T20 international scoring list.
