Kusal Mendis Masterclass Guides Sri Lanka to 8-Wicket Consolation Win Against Pakistan in 3rd T20I

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka signed off their three-match T20I series against Pakistan on a high note, securing a comprehensive 8-wicket victory in the third and final match played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (October 13, 2026). Despite the victory, Pakistan took the series 2-1, having won the first two encounters.

Chasing a target of 169 runs, the Sri Lankan top-order made light work of the Pakistani bowling attack. Opener Kusal Mendis spearheaded the run chase with a brilliant, aggressive knock, smashing 87 runs off just 48 deliveries, including 9 boundaries and 4 sixes. Mendis was well supported by Sineth Jayawardene, who chipped in with a brisk 38 off 26 balls, and Kamindu Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 40 off 27 deliveries. Sri Lanka comfortably reached 172 for the loss of just 2 wickets in 17.1 overs, wrapping up the win with 17 balls to spare.

Earlier in the evening, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first. Pakistan managed to put up 168/8 in their allotted 20 overs on a flat Rawalpindi track. Veteran opener Sahibzada Farhan top-scored for the hosts with a solid 76 runs off 47 balls, which included 7 fours and 3 sixes, while all-rounder Arafat Minhas added a quick-fire 34 off 20 balls towards the end.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, however, put up a disciplined performance to restrict Pakistan from posting a massive total. Former captain Dasun Shanaka was the pick of the bowlers, bagging 3 wickets for 21 runs in his 4-overs. Fast bowlers Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara picked up 2 wickets each, keeping the pressure on the Pakistani middle-order.

For his match-winning batting performance, Kusal Mendis was adjudged the Player of the Match. Both teams will now shift their focus toward the upcoming ODI Tri-Nation Series, which also features England, scheduled to begin on October 18 in Rawalpindi.

Brief Scores:

• Pakistan: 168/8 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 76, Arafat Minhas 34; Dasun Shanaka 3/21, Eshan Malinga 2/38, Nuwan Thushara 2/38)
• Sri Lanka: 172/2 in 17.1 overs (Kusal Mendis 87, Kamindu Mendis 40*, Sineth Jayawardene 38; Mohammad Imran 1/31, Arafat Minhas 1/26)
• Result: Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets.