Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka to consolation win over Pakistan in final T20I

Sri Lanka salvaged pride in the final match of their T20I series against Pakistan, securing an eight-wicket victory at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. While the win prevented a series sweep, Pakistan had already done enough in the opening two matches to claim the three-game series 2-1.

The tourists successfully chased down a target of 169, reaching 172 for two with 17 balls to spare. Captain Kusal Mendis was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a commanding unbeaten 87 off 48 deliveries, an effort that featured nine boundaries and four sixes.

A late-order recovery was sparked by a 66-run partnership between Farhan and Arafat Minhas, who contributed an unbeaten 34 from 20 balls to help Pakistan reach a total of 168 for eight. Dasun Shanaka was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, returning figures of three for 21, while Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga provided crucial support with two wickets apiece.

In response, Sri Lanka faced an early setback when Lahiru Udara departed for just one run. However, Kusal Mendis steadied the ship, first combining for a 59-run stand with Sineth Jayawardena, who made 38 off 26 balls. Following Jayawardena’s dismissal, the captain partnered with Kamindu Mendis to steer the chase home. The pair put together an unbroken 98-run partnership, with Kamindu finishing on 40 not out from 27 balls to ensure a comfortable conclusion to the series.

Following the conclusion of this T20I series, both sides are set to shift their focus toward an upcoming ODI tri-series that also includes England. The tournament is scheduled to commence in Rawalpindi on October 18.