DAMBULLA: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said his side conceded too many runs in the series-deciding third Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka, a lapse that allowed the hosts to level the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan had taken the opening match by six wickets, while the second fixture was washed out due to rain. Sri Lanka bounced back in the final, rain-affected encounter, winning by 15 runs to square the series 1-1.
After persistent rain reduced the contest to 12 overs per side, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 160 for seven, driven largely by Dasun Shanaka’s explosive nine-ball 34. Pakistan’s chase fell short despite a strong start and late resistance.
“We conceded too many runs. 160 is always going to be too many,” Salman said during the post-match press conference. “But we always believe we can chase whatever target is thrown at us. That’s why we got that close.”
Salman led from the front with the bat, walking in at number three after the early dismissal of opener Sahibzada Farhan. The right-hander struck a rapid 45 off just 12 deliveries, hitting three sixes and four boundaries to keep Pakistan in contention.
“When you’re chasing 160, you just watch the ball and try to hit and maximise every single delivery,” he said. “That’s what I was trying to do. I wish I could have batted three or four more overs — it would have been even more entertaining. But I would have been happier if it was in a winning cause.”
The series served as part of Pakistan’s preparation for next month’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka. Pakistan are scheduled to play all their matches of the tournament in Sri Lanka, making the tour particularly significant.
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Salman said he would have preferred a longer series but stressed that the primary focus was preparation rather than results. “I would have loved to have a five-game series,” he said. “But for us, this series was about preparation for the World Cup. We know Sri Lanka always has rain.”
He added that the final match offered valuable lessons, particularly in bowling with a wet ball under challenging conditions. “Today was a learning experience for us. I think that’s going to play a big part in the World Cup as well,” he noted.
The series also marked the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan, who played his first international match since June last year. Shadab impressed with figures of 2-25 in the opening T20I and contributed with the bat.
Pakistan also tested their bench strength, with batter Khawaja Nafay scoring a brisk 26 off 15 balls in the final match, while pacer Salman Mirza continued his good form.
“The positives were the way Nafay batted and how Salman bowled,” the captain said. “Shadab also came back strongly after a long injury layoff. Overall, there were encouraging signs for us going forward.”
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