Rawalpindi bore witness to a masterclass in aggressive run-chasing on Tuesday as Sri Lanka salvaged pride in the final showdown of their T20I series against Pakistan. While the hosts ultimately claimed the series trophy with a 2-1 margin, the third T20I belonged entirely to Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis, whose unbeaten 87 steered the visitors to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Despite the loss, the series stands as a success for Pakistan, who had already sealed the contest by winning the opening two encounters at the same venue. As the dust settles on this T20 segment, both sides now look ahead to a high-stakes ODI tri-series against England, slated to commence on October 18, also in Rawalpindi.
Kusal Mendis masterclass stifles Pakistan
Chasing a target of 169 for victory, Sri Lanka’s innings endured a momentary hiccup when Lahiru Udara fell for just one run early on. However, any hopes Pakistan harbored of a quick collapse were swiftly dismantled by a gritty partnership between captain Kusal Mendis and Sineth Jayawardena. The duo stabilized the ship, adding 59 runs at a brisk pace before Jayawardena departed for a well-made 38 off 26 balls.
What followed was arguably the most dominant display of batting in the series. Kusal Mendis found an able partner in Kamindu Mendis, and together they orchestrated a match-winning, unbeaten stand of 98 runs. Kusal Mendis was in sublime touch, dismantling the Pakistani bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries. His unbeaten 87 came off just 48 deliveries and was decorated with nine fours and four towering sixes. At the other end, Kamindu Mendis provided excellent support, remaining unbeaten on 40 off 27 balls.
The ease with which the pair neutralized the target—reaching 172 for two in just 17.1 overs—left the home crowd stunned and highlighted a clinical refinement in Sri Lanka’s white-ball approach. For Pakistan, the inability to break the Mendis-Mendis partnership proved costly, as the visitors cruised past the total with more than two overs to spare.
Sahibzada Farhan’s heroics in a losing cause
Earlier in the day, the narrative appeared to be trending toward a Pakistani sweep. Captain Sahibzada Farhan continued his scintillating form, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 76 off 47 balls. Farhan, who recorded his third consecutive half-century of the series, proved to be a thorn in the side of the Sri Lankan bowlers once again, striking seven fours and three sixes.
However, Farhan lacked support for much of the innings. Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 102 for six as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. The Sri Lankan bowling unit, led by an exceptional Dasun Shanaka, kept the pressure high. Shanaka was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of three for 21. Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga also chipped in with two wickets apiece, effectively strangling the middle order and preventing the Pakistani batters from establishing any momentum.
It was only in the final stages that a late flourish from Arafat Minhas provided Pakistan with a defendable total. Minhas’ unbeaten 34 off just 20 balls—a cameo defined by composure and power—helped propel the hosts to 168 for eight. While it was a respectable score, it proved insufficient against a motivated Sri Lankan top order.
Looking ahead: The tri-series awaits
With the T20 series concluding, the focus now pivots immediately to the upcoming ODI tri-series. The inclusion of England into the mix promises to elevate the intensity of the cricket played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
For Sri Lanka, the final T20 victory serves as a vital psychological boost, proving that their top-order batting depth is capable of dominating in subcontinental conditions. For Pakistan, the focus will likely shift to strengthening their middle-order batting and ensuring their bowling unit can remain resilient under pressure, particularly against a world-class English side.
As both teams retreat to the practice nets to prepare for the longer format, Tuesday’s match remains a reminder of the volatile nature of T20 cricket. Sri Lanka may have avoided the whitewash, but it is Pakistan who leaves this leg of the tour with the series trophy in hand, setting the stage for an enthralling week of ODI cricket in the heart of Punjab.
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