Sri Lanka produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 14 runs in a rain-affected T20I at Dambulla, leveling the three-match series 1-1.
The match was reduced to a 12-overs-per-side contest due to rain, but it delivered high drama and momentum swings as both teams treated it as a crucial warm-up ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Batting first after being asked to set a target, Sri Lanka suffered an early blow when Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a duck by Naseem Shah in the opening over.
However, the hosts recovered quickly through aggressive counter-attacks from Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva. Mendis scored a brisk 30 off 16 balls, while de Silva added 22 off 15 deliveries to steady the innings.
The real turning point came in the latter half of the innings when captain Dasun Shanaka unleashed a stunning cameo.
Shanaka smashed 34 runs off just nine balls, hitting five massive sixes and shifting the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour.
He shared a blistering 52-run partnership off just 15 balls with Janith Liyanage, who remained unbeaten on 22 off eight deliveries. Their late assault lifted Sri Lanka to an imposing total of 160 in the shortened format.
Pakistan began the chase with aggressive intent and looked in control early on. Captain Salman Ali Agha led the charge with a breathtaking 45 off just 12 balls, striking five fours and three sixes.
Pakistan raced to 60 for one in the fourth over and appeared well on course for victory.
However, the introduction of Wanindu Hasaranga completely changed the complexion of the match. Bowling smartly on a damp surface, Hasaranga used clever variations and wide lines to great effect.
He struck twice in his opening over, dismissing Saim Ayub and Usman Khan, triggering a collapse in the middle order. Hasaranga finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 35 and also reached the landmark of 150 T20I wickets during the spell.
Matheesha Pathirana provided excellent support, picking up two wickets for 22 runs and keeping the pressure on Pakistan.
Although Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Nawaz added 49 runs to keep Pakistan in the hunt, Sri Lanka tightened their bowling in the final overs. Pakistan eventually finished on 146 for eight, falling short by 14 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his match-winning contributions.
The series now stands level at 1-1, giving Sri Lanka a timely confidence boost ahead of the T20 World Cup, especially with renewed belief in their power-hitting and disciplined bowling under pressure.
