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Sri Lanka avoid whitewash with 8-wicket win over Pakistan in 3rd T20I at Rawalpindi

Sri Lanka staged a dramatic comeback to snatch an 8-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third and final T20I at Rawalpindi, avoiding a series whitewash despite the hosts already clinching the three-match series 2-1. Chasing a target of 169, Sri Lanka’s top order led the charge, with Kusal Mendis anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls, including nine fours and four sixes.

Sineth Jayawardena and Kamindu Mendis provided crucial support, adding 38 and 40 runs respectively, while Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the late surge. The hosts were bowled out for 168, with Dasun Shanaka claiming three wickets and Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara each taking two.

Pakistan’s lone standout batter, Sahibzada Farhan, scored 76, but no other player crossed 20 runs. Sri Lanka’s tactical shift included debutant Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, who bowled four overs at speeds between 90 and 100 kph, conceding 23 runs and taking a wicket, signaling a strategic rotation ahead of their upcoming Test series.

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