Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Highlights, 3rd T20I | Jan 11: Hasaranga, Bowlers Shine As Sri Lanka Seal 14-Run Victory In Rain-Curtailed Decider

SL vs PAK 3rd T20I Highlights of Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka saw Sri Lanka claim a 14-run victory over Pakistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Chasing 161, Pakistan managed 146/8 in their allotted 12 overs, leaving the three-match series drawn 1-1. Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round performance was pivotal in securing the win for Sri Lanka.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, leaving Sri Lanka to set a target on a Dambulla pitch that offered some early movement. Pathum Nissanka fell for a duck in the first over, but the middle-order quickly rebuilt, with Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva anchoring the innings. Dasun Shanaka played a counter-attacking cameo, scoring 34 off 9 balls, accelerating Sri Lanka to a competitive 160/6 in 12 overs, despite early setbacks.

Pakistan’s powerplay initially looked promising, reaching 50 in just over three overs. Salman Agha counter-attacked with a 45-run knock off 12 balls, keeping Pakistan in contention. However, the momentum shifted sharply when Hasaranga struck repeatedly, removing key batters including Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, and Khawaja Nafay. The middle overs saw tight Sri Lankan bowling, with Pathirana and Hasaranga applying pressure that prevented Pakistan from forming any meaningful partnerships.

In the final overs, Pakistan attempted to chase down the target with aggressive intent, but wickets fell at crucial junctures. Mohammad Nawaz’s 28 off 15 balls offered some resistance, yet the required run rate proved too high. Extras and tight fielding from Sri Lanka further curtailed the chase, ensuring a 14-run victory. Tactical adaptability and the ability to strike in quick succession defined Sri Lanka’s bowling effort.

Despite Pakistan showing glimpses of a late surge, Sri Lanka’s combination of early wickets and middle-over dominance proved decisive. The Dambulla pitch played evenly, rewarding disciplined line and length, and Sri Lanka capitalized on Pakistan’s inability to build partnerships beyond the powerplay. Absences of certain strike options for Pakistan were mitigated by Hasaranga’s all-round performance.

Toss Winner

Pakistan’s captain won the toss and went with fielding.

Key Moment

The decisive turning point came in the middle overs when Wanindu Hasaranga took four wickets in three overs, dismantling Pakistan’s top and middle order and halting their chase.

Star Performer / MVP

Wanindu Hasaranga defined the match with a four-wicket haul that broke the backbone of Pakistan’s batting, decisively swinging the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Match Summary

SL vs PAK Playing XI

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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