Kusal Mendis 87* hands Sri Lanka consolation win

Sri Lanka may have dropped the series, but they signed off on a high note, putting on a dominant display in the third and final T20I against Pakistan. Powered by a magnificent, unbeaten knock from captain Kusal Mendis, the visitors cruised to a comfortable eight-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare, successfully hunting down a target of 168. A Disciplined Bowling Display After losing the toss and facing another onslaught from Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan—who smashed 76 off 47 balls—Sri Lanka's bowlers showed remarkable composure and precision to keep the total within reach. The turning point of the innings came courtesy of Eshan Malinga, whose brilliant double-wicket maiden in the fourth over instantly put Pakistan on the back foot. While Farhan continued to anchor the innings with seven fours and three sixes, the rest of the Pakistani batting lineup struggled to get going against a disciplined Sri Lankan attack. Young legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth was the standout performer with the ball. Operating with brilliant control, the 24-year-old kept his trajectories flat and speeds tight, conceding just 23 runs in his four overs while picking up a wicket. His suffocating spell allowed veteran all-rounder Dasun Shanaka to capitalize from the other end. Shanaka used clever variations in pace and length to bamboozle the batters, returning impressive figures of 3 for 21. Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga chipped in with two wickets apiece, restricting Pakistan to 168 for 8. The Kusal Mendis Show Chasing 168, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when opener Lahiru Udara fell lbw. However, captain Kusal Mendis stepped up to anchor the innings in style, proving his undeniable value to the side. After a watchful start, Mendis shifted gears seamlessly, orchestrating a masterclass in T20 batting. He first combined with young debutant Sineth Jayawardena for a brisk 59-run stand, before putting on an unbroken 98-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis to seal the game with ease. Kusal finished unbeaten on a scintillating 87 off 48 deliveries, striking at over 180, while Kamindu provided steady support with a fluent 40 off 27 balls. Emerging Talents and Future Promise The match also offered a glimpse into Sri Lanka's future as they enter an "exploratory phase" ahead of the next World Cup. Sineth Jayawardena endured a rollercoaster outing. Despite a couple of early fielding lapses and a missed review opportunity, the 21-year-old showcased his immense potential with the bat. His aggressive 38 off 26 balls—featuring five fours and two sixes—highlighted the raw, unbridled intent that makes him an exciting prospect for Sri Lankan cricket. While the team's reliance on their skipper remains a talking point, the encouraging contributions from the younger guard offer plenty of optimism as Sri Lanka builds toward the future.