Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2026: Kusal Mendis Stars as Sri Lanka Win by Eight Wickets

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2026 featured Sahibzada Farhan’s 76, but Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 83 guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable win.

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third T20I of the Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2026, chasing down a target of 169 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Captain Kusal Mendis led the successful pursuit with an unbeaten 83, while Kamindu Mendis remained not out on 40 as Sri Lanka completed the chase in just 16.5 overs.

Pakistan had posted 168/8 in their allotted 20 overs after captain Sahibzada Farhan produced an impressive 76 off 47 deliveries. Arafat Minhas added an unbeaten 34 from 20 balls to give the hosts a competitive total, but Sri Lanka’s batters responded with an authoritative performance.

The victory gave Sri Lanka a positive finish to the T20I series, while Pakistan were left to reflect on a bowling performance that struggled to contain the visitors’ aggressive approach.

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Sri Lanka Win the Toss and Choose to Field

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, backing their bowling attack to restrict Pakistan before chasing the target. The decision gave the visitors the opportunity to assess the pitch and approach the second innings with a clear target.

Pakistan entered the contest after winning the first two matches of the series. With the series already decided, the third T20I provided Sri Lanka with an opportunity to respond and regain momentum.

The hosts began positively but lost wickets at important moments. Although Farhan held the innings together, Sri Lanka’s bowlers prevented Pakistan from building a dominant total.

Sahibzada Farhan Leads Pakistan with 76

Sahibzada Farhan was Pakistan’s standout batter, scoring 76 from 47 balls at a strike rate of 161.70. His innings included seven fours and three sixes, providing the foundation for Pakistan’s total of 168/8.

Fakhar Zaman contributed 12 from seven deliveries, but Maaz Sadaqat fell for a duck. Pakistan were reduced to 34/2 early in the innings, putting pressure on the middle order.

Hasan Nawaz scored 16 from 17 balls, while Khawaja Nafay managed three and Mohammad Imran Randhawa added six. The regular fall of wickets prevented Pakistan from maintaining a sustained attacking partnership.

Abdul Samad briefly accelerated the scoring with 15 from 10 balls, including two fours and a six. However, Pakistan still needed a strong finish to reach a competitive total.

Farhan continued to score confidently before falling at the end of the innings. His contribution proved crucial in preventing Pakistan from finishing with a substantially lower score.

Arafat Minhas Provides a Late Boost

Arafat Minhas delivered an important late contribution, remaining unbeaten on 34 from 20 balls. His innings featured two fours and two sixes, helping Pakistan recover after slipping to 102/6.

Minhas attacked effectively during the closing overs and ensured that Pakistan reached 168/8. His partnership with Farhan added valuable runs when the innings needed momentum.

Despite the recovery, Pakistan would have wanted a stronger middle-order performance. The loss of wickets interrupted their progress and prevented Farhan from receiving consistent support throughout the innings.

Dasun Shanaka Leads Sri Lanka’s Bowling Attack

Dasun Shanaka was Sri Lanka’s most effective bowler, finishing with figures of 3/21 from four overs. His disciplined spell helped restrict Pakistan during the middle overs and prevented the hosts from reaching a more imposing total.

Nuwan Thushara claimed two wickets for 38 runs, while Eshan Malinga also took two wickets for 38 runs. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth contributed one wicket and conceded 23 runs from his four overs.

Shanaka’s control was particularly valuable because Pakistan had started positively in the powerplay. By taking wickets at crucial moments, Sri Lanka forced the hosts to rebuild repeatedly rather than accelerate freely.

The bowling performance gave Sri Lanka a manageable target and laid the groundwork for their successful chase.

Sri Lanka Lose an Early Wicket but Recover Quickly

Sri Lanka’s chase began with an early setback when Lahiru Udara was dismissed for one run from two balls by Mohammad Imran Randhawa.

However, Sineth Jayawardena and Kusal Mendis quickly changed the momentum. Jayawardena scored 38 from 26 deliveries, hitting five fours and two sixes to help Sri Lanka maintain a strong scoring rate.

Jayawardena’s attacking innings took pressure off Kusal and ensured that Sri Lanka remained ahead of the required run rate. The pair added valuable runs before Jayawardena was dismissed by Arafat Minhas.

Sri Lanka had lost two wickets, but the foundation for the chase was already in place. Kusal Mendis remained at the crease and continued to attack alongside Kamindu Mendis.

Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis Complete the Chase

Kusal Mendis produced the defining innings of the match, finishing unbeaten on 83 from 47 balls. His innings included six fours and four sixes, combining controlled stroke play with aggressive boundary hitting.

Kamindu Mendis provided excellent support, remaining not out on 40 from 26 deliveries. He struck four fours and maintained the scoring momentum as Sri Lanka moved towards the target.

The pair built an unbeaten partnership that removed any realistic possibility of a Pakistan comeback. Kusal controlled the innings with his attacking approach, while Kamindu ensured that the required rate remained comfortable.

Sri Lanka reached 169/2 in 16.5 overs, winning by eight wickets with 19 balls remaining. The speed of the chase underlined the effectiveness of their batting performance and the difficulty Pakistan’s bowlers faced in containing the scoring.

Why Pakistan Could Not Defend 168

Pakistan’s total of 168/8 was competitive, but their bowlers struggled to take wickets after dismissing Jayawardena. Kusal and Kamindu’s partnership allowed Sri Lanka to maintain control without taking unnecessary risks.

The hosts conceded runs at a high rate during the chase, and their inability to break the final partnership meant Sri Lanka could continue attacking. The visitors’ batters also capitalised on the early powerplay, scoring 59 runs in the first six overs.

Pakistan’s bowling attack needed greater consistency in line and length, particularly against Kusal’s boundary hitting. Once the required rate remained under control, Sri Lanka had little reason to change their approach.

The match highlighted the difference between posting a reasonable total and defending it effectively. Pakistan had enough runs to create a contest, but Sri Lanka’s batting execution proved decisive.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I 2026: Final Scorecard

Top performers

Final Verdict

Sri Lanka produced a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third T20I. Sahibzada Farhan’s 76 and Arafat Minhas’s unbeaten 34 helped Pakistan reach 168/8, but the total proved insufficient against Sri Lanka’s powerful response.

Kusal Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten 83, while Kamindu Mendis supported him with 40 not out. Their partnership ensured Sri Lanka reached 169/2 in 16.5 overs, completing the victory with 19 balls remaining.

Although Pakistan had already secured the series with their earlier victories, Sri Lanka’s final-match performance offered a strong finish. For Pakistan, the match provided a reminder that competitive batting totals must be supported by disciplined bowling and regular wickets.

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