DAMBULLA: Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought 14-run victory over Pakistan in the third T20 at a rain-affected Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday, leveling the three-match series 1-1. The contest, reduced to 12 overs per side, saw Sri Lanka post a competitive 160 before restricting Pakistan to 146-8 in a tense finish.
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After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka’s top order laid a strong foundation. Kusal Mendis smashed 30 off 16 balls, while Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka added 22 and 21 runs respectively. Skipper Dasun Shanaka then took control, scoring a rapid 34 off nine balls, hitting five towering sixes, with a crucial sixth-wicket stand of 52 runs alongside Janith Liyanage turning the match in Sri Lanka’s favour.
The trophy is shared in the first T20I series of the year 🏆
Pakistan have never lost a bilateral men’s T20I series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka pic.twitter.com/ji2ajsUn2a
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 12, 2026
Wanindu Hasaranga starred with the ball, taking four wickets and earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. He completed 150 T20I wickets during the game, helping to choke Pakistan’s reply despite a blistering start from captain Salman Ali Agha, who scored 45 off 12 balls. Once Sri Lanka tightened the field, Pakistan struggled to keep up with the asking rate, ultimately falling short by 14 runs.
Read More: Sri Lanka clinch thrilling victory to level T20 series against Pakistan
The series serves as a warm-up for the T20 World Cup, where Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka due to political tensions with India. Pakistan’s players acknowledged the value of playing in similar conditions, with skipper Salman highlighting the lessons learned despite the loss. Sri Lanka’s victory gave their team a boost in confidence, easing recent batting jitters ahead of the global tournament.