Sri Lanka made history when their depleted side earned their very first T20I series win over Pakistan with a 35-run win in Lahore.
The third match of the series sees the teams play out a dead rubber at the Gadaffi Stadium the venue for all the T20I matches.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Third T20I | Wednesday 12 October 2019 | Gadaffi Stadium Lahore | 15:30
To Win
Pakistan
Tie
Sri Lanka
Pakistan
The hosts have not responded well to being put under pressure by a young Sri Lankan side and have looked completely off the pace so far.
The top order failed in both defeats in chases that should for a team of Pakistan’s quality.
Imad Wasim’s batting was the high point for Misbah Ul Haq’s men in the must-win second T20I but his departure at the death saw all hope vanish.
Babar Azam has struggled against Sri Lanka’s new-ball bowlers throughout the series, something which has rendered the top order of the hosts quite ordinary.
Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Hasnain have been off the boil with their bowling making things easier on the Sri Lankan top order. Hasnain got a hat-trick in the series opener but overall has lacked the control and variation needed in T20Is.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka can be proud of their efforts in Pakistan and the players who have made an impression may force out the men who refused this tour.
Wanindu Hasaranga appears to be the latest spinning sensation to come from the islands and in the second match of the series his googlies undid the Pakistan middle order in one over.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa has proven to be some find, making an immediate impact in the shortest format after making his debut in the series opener. His 77 on Monday 7 October played a big part in keeping the pressure on the hosts. Another good performance will keep him in the frame for further selection.
Nuwan Pradeep showed the value of his experience in both matches and leads the series wicket-takers list after claiming figures of 4/25 in match two.
Verdict: Sri Lanka
The Islanders are on a roll and Pakistan have no answer.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
