Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the third Twenty20 International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, sparing themselves a series whitewash. Captain Kusal Mendis led from the front as the visitors comfortably chased down a target of 169 inside 17 overs, losing only two wickets under the lights.
Earlier, Pakistan were put into bat and posted 168 for 8 from their 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan provided the innings’ backbone, scoring a third consecutive half-century. He top-scored with 76 off 47 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes.
Farhan’s fifty steers Pakistan to a fighting total
Fakhar Zaman and Farhan added 34 in the first three overs, but fast bowler Eshan Malinga then struck twice in one over to halt Pakistan’s progress. Fakhar made 12 off seven deliveries, while Maaz Sadaqat did not score.
Hassan Nawaz joined Farhan to steady the innings, and the pair shared a 33-run partnership from 28 balls. Hassan departed after scoring 16 off 17. Pakistan were 102 for 6 in 13 overs before Farhan stitched together a vital stand with Arafat Minhas, taking the total past 150.
Arafat, playing his first match of the series, was unbeaten on 34 off 20 balls, hitting two sixes and two fours.
Shanaka and Malinga strike in the middle overs
Dasun Shanaka and Malinga combined to rattle Pakistan’s middle order. Shanaka starred with the ball, taking three wickets in his four overs while conceding 21 runs.
Pakistan’s playing XI was captained by Farhan and included Khawaja Nafay as wicketkeeper. Sri Lanka were led by Kusal Mendis, whose side wrapped up the chase with plenty of time to spare.
