DAMBULLA — Sri Lanka produced a spirited all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 14 runs in the third T20 international at rain-affected Dambulla on Sunday, squaring the three-match series 1-1 and easing concerns over their batting form ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The contest, reduced to 12 overs per side due to rain, saw Sri Lanka recover strongly after earlier struggles with the bat in the series. After losing the opening match by six wickets and seeing the second game washed out, the hosts delivered a timely statement performance against a Pakistan side using the series as preparation for the World Cup, where they are scheduled to play all matches in Sri Lanka owing to political tensions with India.
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 160 for six, a total built on aggressive intent throughout the innings. Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis set the tone during the Power Play with a brisk 30 off 16 balls, while Dhananjaya de Silva (22 off 15) and Charith Asalanka (21 off 13) ensured momentum was maintained through the middle overs.
Captain Dasun Shanaka then swung the match decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour, smashing 34 off just nine deliveries, including five towering sixes. His explosive sixth-wicket partnership with Janith Liyanage, worth 52 runs in only 15 balls, proved the turning point and pushed Sri Lanka to a commanding total. Liyanage remained unbeaten on 22, providing late stability.
Pakistan’s chase began at a blistering pace, with captain Salman Ali Agha launching a counterattack that briefly threatened to overwhelm the hosts. Salman struck 45 off just 12 balls, peppering the boundary with five fours and three sixes as Pakistan raced to 50 within the first four overs.
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However, once the field spread and conditions became more challenging with a wet ball, Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened their grip. Wanindu Hasaranga led the charge with a superb spell of four wickets, stalling Pakistan’s momentum and forcing risky shots as the required run rate climbed sharply. His performance earned him both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours and marked his 150th wicket in T20 internationals.
The top order laid the platform and the middle order applied the finishing touches.https://t.co/ogVUKnweFz
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 12, 2026
Despite late resistance from Mohammad Nawaz (28) and Khawaja Nafay (26), Pakistan were restricted to 146 for eight, falling short in a tense finish.
Reflecting on the win, Hasaranga praised his team’s response. “We were a bit worried about our batting and I’m glad we addressed that today,” he said, while noting the bowlers’ discipline in difficult conditions.
Pakistan captain Salman acknowledged the effort but pointed to lapses with the ball. “We conceded too many runs. Our batting was good, but unfortunately we fell short,” he said.
The result sets up a decisive final match, with both teams gaining valuable insights ahead of the World Cup.
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