Pakistan eke out consolation win to deny Sri Lanka series sweep

Pakistan finished their Sri Lanka tour on a note of gratification as they eked out a four-wicket win in the third T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium to deny the hosts the opportunity to sweep the series 3-0.

The foundation of Pakistan's hard-fought win was laid down by their bowlers. Barring Umm-e-Hani, who conceded 30 runs in her four overs at an economy rate of 7.50, no other Pakistan bowler went for more than 7.00 an over.

Umm-e-Hani got the big wicket of Imesha Dulani for 17, and it was the only setback that the hosts suffered throughout the powerplay. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu added 36 for the second wicket alongside Sanjana Kavindi to take the team to 72, but Sri Lanka lost both batters in a span of two balls and lost all the momentum.

They lost five wickets for just 19 runs on the board, collapsing from 72/1 to 91/6 in no time. The batting order caved in under the unrelenting pressure and Sri Lanka could only manage 113 for the loss of six wickets. Wicketkeeper batter Kaushini Nuthyangana was slow to get off the blocks and remained unbeaten on 12 off 18 balls. Her innings alongside a 12-ball 10 by Kawya Kavindi meant Sri Lanka's innings never really found the final flourish.

Momina Riasat (2/18) was the pick of all the Pakistan bowlers, whereas Tuba Hassan, Ayesha Zafar, Nashra Sandhu and Umm-e-Hani bagged one wicket apiece.

In reply, Pakistan, though, lost a couple of wickets in the powerplay, but were ahead of the asking rate with the help of a quick-fire 21 off 12 from opener Shawaal Zulfiqar. Player of the Match (POTM) Zafar (39 off 31) held the innings together as the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Pakistan needed merely nine off 22 balls when Zafar was undone by Chamari Athapaththu on the second ball of the 17th over. Saira Jabeen (12* off 16) and Hasan (6* off 6) got the team over the line with 10 balls to spare.