Kusal Mendis Blitz Powers Sri Lanka to 8-Wicket Rout of Pakistan in 3rd T20I

Kusal Mendis produced a batting masterclass as Sri Lanka sealed a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third and final T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Chasing 169 for victory, the visitors coasted home with nearly three overs to spare, Mendis finishing unbeaten on 87 from just 48 deliveries, a knock laced with nine fours and four sixes at a strike rate above 180. He shared an unbroken 98-run stand with Kamindu Mendis, who contributed a calm 40 not out, after Sineth Jayawardena's brisk 38 had kept the required rate under control. Earlier, Pakistan's innings had been a tale of recovery and collapse. After Dasun Shanaka's three-wicket burst left the hosts reeling at 102 for 6, captain Sahibzada Farhan held the innings together with a fine 76 and found late support from Arafat Minhas, dragging Pakistan to 168 for 8 in their 20 overs. It was never enough. Mendis attacked from the outset, punishing anything short or wide, and Pakistan's bowlers had no answer as Sri Lanka lost only two wickets in the chase. The win caps an impressive evening for the tourists, whose batters made the chase look routine against a home attack that wilted under the lights.