Pakistan scores its 2nd highest total in T20 cricket to win series against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Rawalpindi, completing the target with 17 balls to spare. The win gave Sri Lanka a consolation result after Pakistan had won the opening two matches and secured the series 2-1. One report places the final game on the 13th.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis chose to field after winning the toss. Pakistan finished on 168 for 8 in 20 overs, led by captain Sahibzada Farhan’s 76 from 47 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes. Arafat Minhas added 34. Sri Lanka had brought Vijayakanth Viyaskanth into the side in place of Maheesh Theekshana.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers limited Pakistan’s scoring beyond Farhan’s innings. Dasun Shanaka returned three wickets for 21 runs, while Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara took two each. The Island reported that Malinga removed Fakhar Zaman and Maaz Sadaqat in a double-wicket maiden over, though Farhan continued to score.

In reply, Lahiru Udara was out early. Sineth Jayawardene then scored 38 from 26 balls before his dismissal, and Kusal and Kamindu Mendis carried the chase through with an unbeaten 98-run stand. Kusal’s 87 came from 48 balls, with nine fours and four sixes; Kamindu made 40 from 27.