Kusal Mendis’ Unbeaten 87 Powers Sri Lanka to Eight-Wicket Win Over Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: (Sports Reporter) – Kusal Mendis smashed an unbeaten 87 as Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final T20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, avoiding a series whitewash.

Chasing a target of 169 runs, Sri Lanka reached 172 for two in 17.1 overs, securing a comfortable victory and reducing Pakistan’s series-winning margin to 2-1.

Kusal Mendis led the successful chase with an impressive unbeaten innings, while Kamindu Mendis remained not out on 40 to guide Sri Lanka to victory.

Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Mohammad Imran dismissed Lahiru Udara for just one run. However, Sri Lanka recovered quickly as Sineth Jayawardena contributed 38 runs before being caught off Arafat Minhas’s bowling.

Kusal and Kamindu then formed a crucial partnership, keeping Pakistan’s bowlers at bay and steering the visitors towards a convincing win.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Imran and Arafat Minhas claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan scored 168 for eight in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to bat first.

Captain Sahibzada Farhan led the batting effort with an impressive 76 runs, helping Pakistan post a competitive total. Arafat Minhas provided valuable support in the middle order, remaining unbeaten on 34.

Hasan Nawaz scored 16 runs, Abdul Samad contributed 15, and Fakhar Zaman added 12. Mohammad Imran made six, Khawaja Nafay scored three, while Maaz Sadaqat and Razaullah were dismissed without scoring.

For Sri Lanka, captain Dasun Shanaka took three wickets, while Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara claimed two wickets each. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth picked up one wicket.

Pakistan made four changes to their playing XI for the final match, bringing in Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Razaullah and Arafat Minhas. Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed were rested.

Sri Lanka made one change to their side for the series finale.

Despite losing the final match, Pakistan secured the three-match T20I series 2-1 after winning the first two encounters.