Kusal Mendis stuns Pakistan with unbeaten 87 as Sri Lanka win final T20I by eight wickets

Sri Lanka salvaged a consolation victory in the third and final T20I, chasing down Pakistan's 168 for 8 with 17 balls remaining to win by eight wickets — a result that did little to sour the hosts' series triumph.

Mendis takes charge

Captain Kusal Mendis led from the front, striking an unbeaten 87 off 47 balls to anchor the chase and earn the Player of the Match award. His innings ensured Sri Lanka, who had already lost the series, signed off with a statement performance.

Mendis praised his side's all-round display after the win, singling out the middle-overs bowling and a key supporting knock.

"We bowled really well today in the middle period. The fielding was better too, and the batting was excellent. Kamindu (Mendis) batted really well after the Powerplay. He played his natural game, and I did too. We did really well in all three departments."

Pakistan's series already secured

Pakistan had wrapped up the three-match series before the final game, taking a 2-0 lead with a four-wicket win in the opening fixture and an emphatic 82-run victory in the second. Captain Sahibzada Farhan's personal milestone — 238 runs across the series, the most by any batter in a bilateral three-match men's T20I series between two Full Member teams — was the standout individual achievement of the campaign, surpassing India's Abhishek Sharma (229 vs Afghanistan).

Farhan, who had marked his captaincy debut with 89 runs in the series opener, remained philosophical about the defeat, saying his focus was on consistency and making the most of his form.