Kusal Mendis’s 87* Powers Sri Lanka to 8-Wicket Win Over Pakistan in 3rd T20I
Sri Lanka denied Pakistan a series whitewash in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, winning by eight wickets with 17 balls to spare. Chasing 169, the visitors reached 172 for two, powered by captain Kusal Mendis’s unbeaten 87 off 48 balls. Pakistan still clinched the three-match series 2-1.
The consolation win gives Sri Lanka a winning finish to the tour and a timely confidence boost ahead of the tri-nation ODI series, also featuring England, which starts in Rawalpindi on October 18.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I: How the Chase Unfolded
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field, backing their bowlers to restrict Pakistan before setting a target. The decision paid off quickly.
Lahiru Udara fell early for a single run, but Kusal Mendis and Sineth Jayawardene steadied the innings with a 59-run stand off 41 balls. Jayawardene struck a brisk 38 from 26 deliveries before departing. Kamindu Mendis then joined his brother, and the pair added an unbeaten 98 runs for the third wicket from 55 balls, keeping the required rate well under control.
Kusal finished on 87 not out with nine fours and four sixes. Kamindu remained unbeaten on 40 from 27 balls. Pakistan’s bowlers managed only two wickets all evening. The full scorecard is available on Cricinfo.
Shanaka and Malinga Restrict Pakistan to 168 for Eight
Earlier, Pakistan posted 168 for eight after being asked to bat. Captain Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings with 76 off 47 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes, and held the total together when the middle order faltered.
Fakhar Zaman managed 12, while Maz Sabih and Hassan Nawaz failed to make an impact. Abdul Samad added 15 from ten balls, and Arafat Minhas finished not out on 34 from 20 deliveries to lift Pakistan to a defendable total.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their discipline in the middle overs. Former captain Dasun Shanaka was the pick with three wickets for 21 runs in his four overs. Fast bowlers Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara picked up two wickets each.
“Today we bowled really well in middle period,” Kusal Mendis said after the match. Farhan admitted the plan misfired: “The way we set a superb target in the first two matches, today also we had the same plan but it didn’t go to plan.”
A Series Won, but Questions for Pakistan’s Attack
The result closed a series Pakistan had already sealed with an 82-run win in the second T20I in Rawalpindi a day earlier. Farhan’s consistency — 238 runs in three matches — earned him the Player of the Series award, while Kusal Mendis took Player of the Match honours on Tuesday.
The win will matter to Sri Lanka, who have named Kusal Mendis to lead their 15-man Test squad for the coming leg of the tour. For Pakistan, the bowling returns raise a question ahead of the tri-nation series: Salman Mirza went wicketless for 40 runs in three overs, and Razaullah conceded 37 in 3.1 overs.
It was Pakistan’s second defeat to Sri Lanka in three days — the visitors also knocked Pakistan out of the Women’s Under-19 tri-series on Sunday. But the senior side’s series win keeps the home record intact.
What Comes Next
Both sides now turn to the tri-nation ODI series starting October 18 in Rawalpindi, with England joining as the third side. Pakistan will want their bowlers back on song; Sri Lanka will want more of the same intent they showed in the chase. Fans can check the tri-series ticketing details as the limited-overs calendar continues.
FAQs
Who won the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I?
Sri Lanka won by eight wickets, chasing Pakistan’s 168 for eight with 172 for two in 17.1 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 13, 2026.
Who was the Player of the Match in the 3rd T20I?
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis, who scored an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls with nine fours and four sixes.
Who won the T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1, having sealed it with an 82-run victory in the second T20I before losing the final game.
Who was the Player of the Series?
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 238 runs across the three matches.
What is next for both teams?
Both sides play the tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan starting October 18, 2026, with England as the third team.
