Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in final T20I, lose series 2-1

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Rawalpindi on October 13, ending Pakistan’s chance of a clean sweep while leaving it with a 2-1 series victory. Chasing 169, Sri Lanka reached 172 for two in 17.1 overs, with captain Kusal Mendis unbeaten on 87 and Kamindu Mendis not out on 40. Kusal Mendis faced 48 balls and hit nine fours and four sixes. He and Kamindu added an unbeaten 98 for the third wicket, taking Sri Lanka to the target after the hosts had claimed two early wickets. Sineth Jayawardena scored 38 from 26 balls, helping put the chase on course before his dismissal. Pakistan had elected to bat and made 168 for eight in 20 overs. Captain Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 76 from 47 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. He and Arafat Minhas, who finished unbeaten on 34 from 20 deliveries, added 66 runs for the seventh wicket after Pakistan had slipped to 102 for six. Dasun Shanaka took three wickets for 21 runs in four overs, helping Sri Lanka restrict Pakistan’s middle order. Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara took two wickets each.