Sri Lanka and Pakistan produced a high-octane, rain-hit thriller as the hosts clinched a 14-run victory in a shortened 12-over contest to square the series. In a game where every over felt like a powerplay, big hits, rapid momentum shifts and clutch bowling spells kept fans glued until the final ball.
After a delay of more than two hours due to rain, the match was reduced to 12 overs per side. The wet outfield made life tough for bowlers, with grip and control at a premium, but that only added to the spectacle as batters from both teams went on the attack from the very start.
Sri Lanka Go Full Throttle
Sri Lanka set the tone early, with their top order playing fearless cricket. Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka all chipped in with brisk cameos, keeping the scoreboard ticking at an incredible pace. By the time captain Dasun Shanaka walked out, Sri Lanka were already well placed, having crossed the 100-run mark in under nine overs.
What followed was pure fireworks. Shanaka, under pressure to make an impact after regaining the captaincy, delivered in style. He smashed 34 off just nine balls, turning a strong total into a daunting one. In the final over, he went after Mohammad Wasim, launching three consecutive sixes — two of them soaring over deep cover — before finally being dismissed near the end. His brief but brutal assault pushed Sri Lanka to an imposing 160 for 6.
Hasaranga’s Magic with the Ball
Despite the wet conditions, the pitch offered some turn, and Wanindu Hasaranga made full use of it. With Pakistan forced to attack in a steep chase, Hasaranga became the game-changer. He picked up four wickets for 35 runs in just three overs, repeatedly breaking partnerships and slowing the momentum whenever Pakistan looked ready to explode.
Unlike his usual mix of bowled and lbw dismissals, all four of his wickets came through catches this time — the result of batters being lured into risky shots by his pace through the air and sharp turn.
Agha’s Furious Counter-Attack
Pakistan refused to go quietly, thanks largely to Salman Agha’s stunning cameo. He tore into the Sri Lankan bowling, blasting 45 off just 12 balls in one of the most explosive innings of the match. Agha hit boundaries almost at will, taking particular liking to Maheesh Theekshana, whom he punished heavily in one over.
One of the highlights of his knock was an audacious scoop over the keeper’s head against Matheesha Pathirana, which sailed into the stands. But Pathirana had the last word, adjusting his length and forcing Agha to hole out to short fine leg. That dismissal proved crucial, as Pakistan lost their driving force at the most important stage of the chase.
Sri Lanka Hold Their Nerve
With Agha gone, Pakistan still tried to push for a late surge, but Hasaranga and the supporting bowlers kept chipping away. In the end, Pakistan closed on 146 for 8, falling 14 runs short of the target.
Sri Lanka’s blend of explosive batting and timely bowling proved decisive in a match where even a small lull could swing momentum. The win not only levelled the series but also showcased Sri Lanka’s ability to thrive in chaotic, high-pressure, shortened formats.