Kusal Mendis’ Unbeaten 87 Powers Sri Lanka to Consolation Win Over Pakistan in 3rd T20I

Captain Kusal Mendis smashed an unbeaten 87 as Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the third and final T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Pakistan won the series 2-1 after victories in the opening two matches.

Chasing 169, Sri Lanka reached 169/3 in 17.1 overs. Kusal anchored the chase with 87 not out off 48 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes. He shared an unbeaten 98-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis, who contributed 40 not out off 27 deliveries. Sineth Jayawardena also supported the chase with 38 off 26 balls after Sri Lanka lost Lahiru Udara early.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 168/8 after being put in to bat. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 76 off 47 balls, recording his third consecutive half-century in the series. Arafat Minhas added an unbeaten 34 off 20 balls, helping Pakistan recover from 102/6. Dasun Shanaka claimed three wickets for Sri Lanka, while Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga took two each.

Both teams will next feature in an ODI tri-series beginning October 18 in Rawalpindi.