Sri Lanka Levels Series with Hasaranga’s Spark

Sri Lanka produced a thrilling performance to level the T20I series against Pakistan, claiming a 14-run victory in a rain-affected third match at Dambulla on Sunday. The contest, reduced to 12 overs per side due to persistent rain delays, saw Sri Lanka defend a competitive total of 160, courtesy of an outstanding four-wicket haul from Wanindu Hasaranga.

The match was delayed for over two hours before Pakistan, having won the toss, elected to field. Sri Lanka’s innings was a rollercoaster of aggressive strokes and frequent wickets. Opener Kamil Mishara set the tone with an explosive start, striking three fours and a six, but was dismissed in the second over. His partner, Pathum Nissanka, had already fallen for a two-ball duck. Middle-order batsmen Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Charith Asalanka provided stability, each surpassing 20 runs before departing.

The defining partnership of the innings came from Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage, who combined for 52 runs off just 15 balls. Their onslaught included six sixes and three fours, with Shanaka hitting three consecutive sixes to start the final over bowled by Mohammad Wasim Jr. Liyanage’s boundary off the last ball ensured Sri Lanka closed at a robust 160/6.

Pakistan’s reply began positively despite an early setback, losing Shahibzada Farhan cheaply. Captain Salman Agha counterattacked, scoring 22 runs in each of the second and third overs. However, Matheesha Pathirana broke the momentum, dismissing Agha at fine-leg in the fourth over. Hasaranga then dismantled the middle order with a double strike over the following over, removing Saim Ayub and Usman Khan.

Although Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Nawas attempted to rebuild Pakistan’s innings with a 49-run partnership, Hasaranga returned in the 10th over to claim both wickets. Needing 20 runs from the final over, Pakistan saw Faheem Ashraf run out early, and despite some wayward bowling from Ehsan Malinga, they fell short by 14 runs.

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Sri Lanka’s victory, built around Hasaranga’s brilliance, sets up a decider in the final T20I, promising an enthralling conclusion to this tightly contested series.