LAHORE: Sri Lanka and Pakistan showcased their batting firepower before the home side held its nerves to carve out a 14-run victory in the third T20I to level the three-match series in Dambulla on Sunday.

After rain and a wet outfield had reduced the match to 12-overs-per-side, Pakistan paid the price for putting Sri Lanka into bat, who collected an impressive 160 for six in 12 overs. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha led the run-chase with a 12-ball 45 with five fours and three sixes, but the target proved a little too stiff for the lower batters as the visitors finished at 146 for eight.

The holiday crowd was thoroughly entertained by both sides, who consistently made the ball disappear into stands. Sri Lanka, in their innings, belted 13 fours and 10 sixes, whereas Pakistan responded with 13 fours and eight sixes. The ultimate difference between the two sides proved to be two sixes.

Sri Lanka had reached 54 for two after five overs, while they were 121 for five after 10 overs. The last two overs yielded 39 runs with Naseem Shah conceding 15 in the 11th over and Mohammad Wasim Junior going for 24 runs. In contrast, Pakistan scored 69 for four in their first five overs before they reached 131 for six after 10 overs. They needed 30 from the last 12 balls, including 20 in the last over. Eshan Malinga, who went for 20 in his first over, returned to bowl the last over in which he gave away five runs.

After Salman dominated a 51-run second wicket stand from 14 balls with Saim Ayub (6), Mohammad Nawaz (28) and debutant Khawaja Nafay (26) put on 49 runs from 26 balls for the fifth wicket.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of bowlers with four for 35.

Although there were no big scores from Sri Lanka with Dasun Shanaka scoring 34 and Kusal Mendis 30, the critical thing was their batters’ ability to hit boundaries.

The most destructive innings was played by Chanaka, who clubbed five sixes in a nine-ball knock, while Janith Liyanage’s 8-ball 22 not out included three fours and a six. Opener Kamil Mishara also showed his aggression, scoring an 8-ball 20 with three fours and a six.

All the Pakistan bowlers were on the receiving end, but Mohammad Wasim proved to be the most expensive when his three wickets cost him 54 runs. Naseem Shah went for 35 off his three overs, Abrar 22 off his two overs, Shadab Khan 19 off his two overs and Faheem Ashraf conceded 19 in his only over.

Scores in brief

Match 3 – Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 14 runs, Dambulla (reduced overs match)

Sri Lanka 160-6,12 overs (Dasun Shanaka 34, Kusal Mendis 30, Janith Liyanage 22, Dhananjaya de Silva 22, Charith Asalanka 21, Kamil Mishara 20; Mohammad Wasim Jnr 3-54, Naseem Shah 1-35)

Pakistan 146-8, 12 overs (Salman Ali Agha 45, Mohammad Nawaz 28, Khawaja Nafay 26; Wanindu Hasaranga 4-35)

1st match – Pakistan won by six wickets

2nd match – Match abandoned without a ball being bowled