 |
| Kusal Mendis plays a sweep |
Sri Lanka produced a powerful all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 14 runs in the rain-shortened third T20I at Dambulla, leveling the series. In a match reduced to 12 overs per side, aggressive batting from Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Mendis, followed by a match-winning spell from Wanindu Hasaranga, proved decisive.
Despite a brave counterattack from Salman Agha, Pakistan fell short in a high-scoring run-fest where momentum shifted rapidly but Sri Lanka held their nerve at key moments.
Rain Shortens Match, But Not the Entertainment
Heavy rain delayed the start by more than two hours, forcing officials to reduce the contest to 12 overs each. A wet outfield and damp ball made life difficult for bowlers, especially spinners struggling with grip. Still, both teams played fearless cricket, treating fans to a fast-paced and exciting encounter.
Sri Lanka scored at an impressive rate of over 13 runs per over, while Pakistan responded at more than 12 per over. In the end, timely wickets made the difference.
Sri Lanka’s Batters Go All Out
Batting first, Sri Lanka came out attacking from the start. Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, and Janith Liyanage all contributed quick runs, keeping the scoreboard moving at pace.
By the time captain Dasun Shanaka arrived at the crease, Sri Lanka were already well placed at 100 for 5 after 8.5 overs. What followed was a brutal finishing act.
Shanaka’s Explosive Cameo Changes the Game
Shanaka played one of the most impactful short innings of the series. He smashed 34 runs off just 9 balls, completely shifting the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor. He hit multiple sixes, including three in a row in the final over bowled by Mohammad Wasim.
Although Shanaka was dismissed before the innings ended, the damage was done. His power-hitting lifted Sri Lanka to a challenging total of 160 for 6, which looked daunting in a 12-over match.
Hasaranga Delivers Under Pressure
With dew on the ground and Pakistan forced to attack from ball one, Wanindu Hasaranga became Sri Lanka’s biggest weapon. The leg-spinner picked up 4 wickets for 35 runs in just three overs.
Unlike his usual bowled or lbw dismissals, all four of Hasaranga’s wickets came from batters trying to hit big shots. His pace through the air and sharp turn forced mistakes at crucial moments, slowing Pakistan’s chase when it mattered most.
Agha Lights Up the Chase
Pakistan’s reply was kept alive almost single-handedly by Salman Agha, who played a sensational innings of 45 runs off just 12 balls. He attacked from the start, hitting three sixes and five fours, and putting Sri Lanka’s bowlers under immense pressure.
Agha was especially severe against Maheesh Theekshana, taking 22 runs off one over. His most memorable shot was an audacious scoop over his shoulder against Matheesha Pathirana that sailed for six.
For a brief moment, Pakistan looked capable of pulling off an incredible chase.
Key Wicket Turns the Match
Agha’s dismissal proved to be the turning point. Trying to continue the assault, he was caught at short fine leg off Pathirana. Once Agha departed, Pakistan lost momentum and struggled to maintain the required run rate.
Despite some late hitting, the remaining batters could not match Agha’s intensity, and Pakistan finished on 146 for 8, falling 14 runs short.
Sri Lanka Hold Their Nerve
In a match where bowlers had little margin for error, Sri Lanka managed key breakthroughs at the right time. Hasaranga led the way, supported by disciplined death bowling that prevented Pakistan from finishing strong.
The win helped Sri Lanka bounce back and square the series.
Final Takeaway
This 12-over thriller showed the importance of impact performances in shortened games. Shanaka’s fearless finishing and Hasaranga’s wicket-taking ability gave Sri Lanka the edge, while Pakistan will rue losing momentum after Salman Agha’s dismissal.
No comments:
Post a Comment