KEY POINTS
- Kamil Mishara top-scored with a blistering 76 off 48 to drive Sri Lanka’s innings.
- Abrar Ahmed impressed with 2 for 28, but Pakistan leaked runs through wides and loose overs.
- Pakistan need 185 in a must-win chase to stay alive in the Tri-Series.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Sri Lanka piled up a formidable total of 184 against Pakistan in a must-win encounter of the T20I Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Pakistan, who opted to field first, were immediately put under pressure as Sri Lanka’s top order fired with intent.
Kamil Mishara led the charge with a brilliant 76 off 48 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes in a composed yet attacking innings. His partnerships through the middle overs kept Sri Lanka’s run rate healthy.
Kusal Mendis added to the momentum with a quickfire 40 off 23 balls, striking six boundaries and a six to keep Pakistan’s bowlers on the back foot.
Although the hosts struck at crucial intervals, thanks to Abrar Ahmed’s tidy spell of 2 for 28, Sri Lanka continued to accelerate.
Late-innings support came from Janith Liyanage (24 off 24) before he was run out on the final ball of the innings, while captain Dasun Shanaka provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 17 off 10, including two fours and a six.
Earlier, Salman Mirza delivered a disciplined spell, finishing with 1 for 29, and Saim Ayub chipped in with the wicket of Kusal Perera.
However, loose overs from the middle phase allowed Sri Lanka to maintain a strong scoring rate of 9.20, boosted by eight wides from Pakistan’s bowlers.
With the visitors setting Pakistan a daunting 185-run target, the pressure now shifts to Babar Azam’s side.
A victory is essential for Pakistan to remain in contention in the tri-series, making the upcoming chase one of their most critical T20 pursuits of the year.
