Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in third T20I to avoid series whitewash

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 International (T20I) to avoid a series whitewash, chasing down a 169-run target in 17.1 overs.

The visitors reached 172-2 in 17.1 overs after restricting Pakistan to 168-8 in their 20 overs.

Kusal Mendis led Sri Lanka’s successful chase with an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls, striking nine boundaries and four sixes. Kamindu Mendis also remained not out on 40 off 27 deliveries, hitting four boundaries.

Sineth Jayawardena contributed 38 off 26 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Lahiru Udara scored one run before being dismissed by Mohammad Imran.

Mohammad Imran and Arfat Minhas claimed one wicket each for Pakistan.

Pakistan clinch three-match T20I series (2-1)

Pakistan had won the first two matches to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

First T20I result

In the opening T20I, Sahibzada Farhan’s 89 off 53 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes, and Maaz Sadaqat’s rapid half-century, studded with four fours and three sixes, powered Pakistan to a four-wicket victory as they chased Sri Lanka’s 183-run target in 18.5 overs.

Second T20I result

In the second T20I, Sadaqat smashed 96 off 51 deliveries, while Farhan contributed 73 off 44 balls to help Pakistan post 215-3.

Mohammad Imran then claimed three wickets for 11 runs as Sri Lanka were restricted to 133-7, handing Pakistan an 82-run victory.

Sri Lanka’s win in the final match prevented Pakistan from completing a clean sweep, but the hosts clinched the three-match series 2-1.