Sunday, 5th July 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 11th January 2026, 11:14 PM
A dramatic disparity in final-over composure proved to be the deciding factor in Dambulla, as Sri Lanka secured a 14-run victory over Pakistan to level the three-match T20 international series at 1-1. In a rain-curtailed encounter reduced to just 12 overs per side, the hosts capitalised on a high-scoring surge to post a formidable total that Pakistan ultimately failed to chase down.
The momentum shifted decisively during the final over of the Sri Lankan innings. Facing Pakistani seamer Mohammad Wasim, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka unleashed a brutal assault, striking three consecutive sixes off the first three deliveries. Sri Lanka plundered a staggering 24 runs from that single over, propelling their total to an imposing 160/6.
Conversely, when Pakistan required a similar heroics in the final over of the match—needing 20 runs with three wickets in hand—they faltered. Young Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga maintained an impeccable line, conceding a mere five runs. The over began with the disastrous run-out of Faheem Ashraf, and despite Wasim being gifted four extra runs via wides, he failed to make bat-on-ball for the remainder of the over.
| Category | Sri Lanka | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 160/6 (12 overs) | 146/8 (12 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Dasun Shanaka (34 off 9) | Salman Ali Agha (45 off 12) |
| Best Bowler | Wanindu Hasaranga (4/35) | Mohammad Wasim (3/54) |
| Final Over Runs | 24 Runs | 5 Runs |
| Result | Sri Lanka won by 14 runs | Series Drawn 1-1 |
Dasun Shanaka’s cameo was the highlight of the first innings; of his 34 runs, 30 were scored via maximums. Supporting contributions came from Kusal Mendis (30 off 16) and Dhananjaya de Silva (22).
Pakistan’s chase started with blistering intent from captain Salman Ali Agha, who smashed 45 runs off just 12 balls. However, once he was dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana, the innings struggled to maintain the required run rate. Wanindu Hasaranga was the star with the ball, bamboozling the middle order to claim four wickets for 35 runs, earning him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
With the first match won by Pakistan and the second abandoned due to weather, this victory ensures the silverware is shared between the two competitive sides.
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