Sri Lanka Secures 14-Run Victory Over Pakistan in Rain-Hit T20 to Square Series
Sri Lanka managed a hard-fought 14-run victory over Pakistan in the third T20 match held at the rain-affected Dambulla venue on Sunday. The win helped level the three-match series at 1-1, showcasing a significant improvement in their batting performance.
The series served as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Pakistan set to play all their matches in Sri Lanka due to political tensions with India, the games have taken on added importance. In the opening match, Pakistan secured a six-wicket win, while the second game was washed out by rain.
Sri Lanka's captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, highlighted the team's progress after the match. He received both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. "We were a bit worried about our batting, and I'm glad we addressed that today," he said. Hasaranga also praised the bowlers, noting the challenges posed by the wet ball. "The ball was wet and it wasn't easy. We tried to bowl wide and slow and asked them to take risks."
Hasaranga's performance was exceptional, as he took four wickets in the game. This achievement marked a milestone in his career, as he reached 150 wickets in T20 Internationals.
In a shortened contest of 12 overs per side, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 160 runs. They then restricted Pakistan to 146-8, securing the win. After being bowled out within 20 overs in the first match, Sri Lanka needed a strong showing with the bat. They delivered exactly that, with their top order laying a solid foundation and the middle order finishing off the innings effectively.
Wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis was instrumental during the Power Play, scoring 30 runs off just 16 balls. Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka contributed with 22 and 21 runs respectively. Captain Dasun Shanaka played a pivotal role, hitting 34 runs off nine deliveries, including five sixes. The partnership between Shanaka and Janith Liyanage proved decisive, adding 52 runs in just 15 balls.
Pakistan started their reply strongly, reaching 50 runs in 19 balls. Captain Salman Agha was the standout performer, scoring 45 runs off 12 balls with five fours and three sixes. However, Sri Lanka's bowling attack tightened up as the game progressed, applying pressure and forcing the required run rate to increase significantly.
Agha acknowledged the competitiveness of the match. "It was a good game of cricket," he said. He admitted that the team conceded too many runs but praised their batting effort. "Unfortunately, we fell short. We know we are going to play all our World Cup games in Sri Lanka, and it's important that we played in similar conditions," he added.
This victory not only levels the series but also provides Sri Lanka with valuable momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup. The team's improved batting performance and effective bowling strategy will be crucial in their upcoming matches. As the series continues, both teams will look to build on their performances and prepare for the global tournament.
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