Dambulla: A blistering late assault by Dasun Shanaka coupled with a superb four-wicket haul from Wanindu Hasaranga guided Sri Lanka to a win over Pakistan in the rain-affected third T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The match was reduced to 12 overs per side due to persistent rain, with Sri Lanka being asked to bat first. Despite an early setback, the hosts posted a daunting 160 for 6, a total that ultimately proved too strong.

Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a shaky start as Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Kamil Mishara briefly counter-attacked with a quick 20 off eight balls before being caught behind, leaving the hosts struggling at 22 for 2 inside two overs.

Kusal Mendis then played a crucial role in stabilising the innings. The right-hander added 32 runs with Dhananjaya de Silva (21) before forging a 46-run stand with Charith Asalanka, who scored 21 off 13 deliveries, helping Sri Lanka reach the 100-run mark.

With Sri Lanka at 100 for 4 in 8.5 overs, Mendis’ knock came to an end. His 30 off 16 balls included two fours and two sixes. Pakistan struck again on the very next delivery, dismissing Asalanka and briefly pulling the game back in their favour.

However, skipper Dasun Shanaka had other plans. He launched a devastating counter-attack alongside Janith Liyanage, with the duo adding 52 runs off just 15 balls. Shanaka smashed 34 off nine deliveries, hammering five sixes, while Liyanage chipped in with 22 off eight balls, including three boundaries and a six.

Sri Lanka piled on 51 runs in the final three overs, surging to a commanding finish.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Wasim returned figures of three wickets but proved expensive, conceding 54 runs in three overs. Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz picked up one wicket each.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana, Maheesh Pathirana

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed