Islamabad, Oct 14:
Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third T20I on Tuesday, denying the hosts a 3-0 series sweep. Kusal Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls as Sri Lanka reached 172/2 in 17.1 overs while chasing a target of 169.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 76 off 47 balls to guide his side to 168/8. Dasun Shanaka played a key role with the ball, taking three wickets for 21 runs as Pakistan slipped to 102/6 in the 14th over. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth supported him with figures of 1/23.
Sri Lanka made an aggressive start despite losing Lahiru Udara early, with Sineth Jayawardena scoring 38. Kusal Mendis then took charge alongside Kamindu Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 40 off 27 balls. The pair added an unbeaten 98 runs off 55 deliveries to seal the win.
Pakistan had won the first T20I by four wickets and the second by 82 runs. Having already secured the series, the hosts rested several key players, including Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub. Both teams will now prepare for an ODI tri-series involving England, beginning in Rawalpindi on Sunday.