Dasun Shanaka produced a breathtaking late assault and Wanindu Hasaranga followed it up with a decisive four-wicket haul as Sri Lanka edged Pakistan by 14 runs in a rain-shortened 12-overs-a-side thriller, defending 160 for 6 against a ferocious chase of 146 for 8.
After a delay of over two hours due to rain and a wet outfield that made ball control difficult, both teams turned the contest into a high-octane run-fest. Sri Lanka scored at 13.3 runs per over, while Pakistan kept pace at 12.2, but timely wickets tilted the balance in the hosts’ favour.
Shanaka’s nine-ball storm
Under pressure after recently reclaiming the captaincy, Dasun Shanaka delivered a statement knock, smashing 34 off just 9 balls. Walking in with only 19 deliveries remaining, Shanaka instantly shifted gears, hammering Mohammad Wasim for three consecutive sixes in the final over, two of them sailing effortlessly over deep cover. Though he fell late in the over, his cameo transformed a competitive total into a daunting one.
Sri Lanka’s charge was built on collective momentum. Kusal Mendis (30) set the tone up front, while Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage all contributed quick runs to keep the scoreboard ticking. By the time Shanaka arrived, Sri Lanka were already 100 for 4 in 8.5 overs, perfectly placed for a final assault.
Hasaranga breaks Pakistan’s charge
Pakistan’s reply was powered by an audacious counterattack from Salman Agha, whose 45 off 12 balls briefly threatened to steal the match. He struck three sixes and five fours, dismantling Maheesh Theekshana for 22 runs in one over and even pulling off an outrageous over-the-shoulder scoop off Matheesha Pathirana.
But the turning point arrived with Wanindu Hasaranga, who once again proved decisive in high-pressure chases. Exploiting the grip on offer despite the slippery ball, Hasaranga finished with 4 for 35, all four dismissals coming from batters attempting big hits. His pace through the air and sharp turn forced errors just when Pakistan needed composure.
Pathirana adjusted his lengths smartly to remove Agha, and with wickets falling regularly, Pakistan lost momentum in the closing overs. They were eventually restricted to 146 for 8, falling 14 runs short despite their blistering scoring rate.
Sri Lanka hold their nerve
In a match dominated by power-hitting, Sri Lanka’s ability to strike at crucial moments with the ball proved decisive. Shanaka’s explosive finish and Hasaranga’s control under pressure ensured the hosts emerged on top in a contest where margins were fine and momentum shifted rapidly.
On a night of relentless boundaries and brave batting, Sri Lanka’s captain and premier allrounder stood tallest, delivering when it mattered most.
