Sri Lanka produced a stunning all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 17 runs in the second T20 International in Hambantota on Saturday, squaring the three-match series at 1-1. The victory was set up by a late blitz from captain Dasun Shanaka and sealed by a clinical bowling effort led by Wanindu Hasaranga.
Shanaka's Carnage Provides Decisive Momentum
After being put into bat, Sri Lanka's innings was anchored by a solid 61-run partnership between Kusal Mendis (26) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (32). However, the innings truly caught fire in the final overs thanks to a breathtaking cameo from skipper Dasun Shanaka. The all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 34 runs from just 9 deliveries, an assault that included four sixes and two fours. His brutal hitting, particularly against the Pakistani pace attack in the 19th over, propelled the hosts to a formidable total of 165 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Hasaranga Weaves Magic as Pakistan Falter
In reply, Pakistan's chase never found consistent momentum. While captain Babar Azam top-scored with a steady 39, regular wickets kept the pressure on the visitors. The star with the ball for Sri Lanka was leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who delivered a match-winning spell. Hasaranga finished with excellent figures of 3 for 21 in his 4 overs, dismissing the dangerous Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan. His control and guile in the middle overs strangled Pakistan's run flow decisively.
Supporting acts from the pace duo of Matheesha Pathirana (2 for 31) and Dushmantha Chameera (1 for 29) ensured Pakistan were always behind the required rate. Despite a late flurry from Naseem Shah (16*), Pakistan were restricted to 148 for 8, falling short by 17 runs.
Series Poised for Thrilling Decider
This victory sets up a tantalizing winner-takes-all finale for the third and final T20I. The series, now leveled at 1-1, will be decided on Monday at the same venue in Hambantota. Sri Lanka's comeback win, fueled by Shanaka's power-hitting and Hasaranga's wizardry, has injected significant excitement into the contest, promising a high-stakes clash for the trophy.
The match also highlighted key areas for both teams. Sri Lanka will be pleased with their finishing skills with the bat and their spin potency. Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to address their middle-order consistency and find a way to counter Sri Lanka's spin threat in the crucial decider.
