SL vs PAK 2026, 3rd T20I: Shanaka, Hasaranga guide Sri Lanka to win in rain-curtailed game

Sri Lanka and Pakistan clashed with each other in the third and final T20I of the series at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday, January 11. The rain delayed the start by nearly two and a half hours and so the match was reduced to 12 overs per side.

The visitors won the toss and elected to field first. The home team faced an early blow in the form of Pathum Nissanka who was out in the first over for a duck. Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis joined opener Kamil Mishara (20 off 8), but the partnership did not last long as the latter became Mohammad Wasim's first victim.

Though the run rate was brisk the home team needed a stable partnership. Dhananjay de Silva combined with Mendis for a 32-run momentum shifting partnership before the former was out for 22(15). Sri Lanka were 62/3 at the halfway stage.

Charith Asalanka and Mendis continued with the momentum, taking the team to the 100-run mark in the ninth over. After the duo were dismissed - Asalanka for 21 off 13 and Mendis for 30 off 16 - it was the turn of the captain Dasun Shanaka and all-rounder Janith Liyanage to provide the final boost.

The pair formed a rapid 52-run partnership off 15 balls as it was raining sixes now. Sri Lanka ended the innings at 160/6 in their allotted 12 overs. For Pakistan, Wasim was the standout bowler with three wickets in his kitty.

The visitors, just like their opposition, suffered an early blow as danger man Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 9(7) in the second over. The skipper Salman Agha joined Saim Ayub and the former just took the bowlers apart. It was an Agha show for the next couple of overs as the 32-year-old ended up scoring 45 runs in 12 balls before succumbing to Matheesha Pathirana.

New man Usman Khan (1 off 3) and Saim Ayub (6 off 5) were dismissed in quick succession as Pakistan were 69/4 after five overs, requiring 92 runs off seven overs. Mohammad Nawaz and wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay revived the innings with a 49-run partnership. Hasaranga, however, ended the dangerous partnership with Nafay's wicket (26 off 15) as next batter Shadab Khan (6 off 3) also becoming a victim of the wily spinner soon after.

Nawaz (28 off 15) was the next to go as Pakistan now needed 28 runs off nine balls. Eshan Malinga bowled a wayward but effective last over to defend 19 runs as the home team kept their wits to eke out a 14-run victory. For the Lankans, Hasaranga with figures of 4/35 from three overs was the best bowler.

The series ended in a tie (1-1). Hasaranga, for his all-round performance, was adjudged both the Player of the Match and Series.