Sahibzada Farhan scored 76 and Arafat Minhas added an unbeaten 34 as Pakistan recovered from a middle-order collapse in the third T20I at Rawalpindi.
RAWALPINDI – WEB DESK: Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan and Arafat Minhas combined to rescue their side from a middle-order collapse, helping the hosts post 168-8 in the third Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Farhan top-scored with 76 off 47 balls, while Arafat remained unbeaten on 34 from 20 deliveries. Their seventh-wicket partnership of 66 runs revived Pakistan’s innings after Sri Lanka’s bowlers reduced the hosts to 102-6.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field.
Farhan Leads Pakistan’s Recovery
Farhan continued his strong run of form, striking seven fours and three sixes during an innings that kept Pakistan competitive despite regular wickets at the other end.
He reached his third consecutive T20I half-century in the 16th over before accelerating against the Sri Lankan attack. Farhan hit two sixes off Eshan Malinga in the 18th over but was dismissed for 76 in the penultimate over, caught by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka off Nuwan Thushara.
Arafat Minhas Provides Late Momentum
Arafat entered the innings when Pakistan were struggling at 86-6 in the 14th over. He initially focused on stabilising the innings before attacking in the closing overs.
His unbeaten 34 included two fours and two sixes. The late partnership helped Pakistan collect 59 runs in the final five overs, giving the bowlers a total to defend.
Shanaka Restricts Pakistan’s Middle Order
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka was the visitors’ leading wicket-taker, finishing with three wickets for 21 runs in four overs.
Eshan Malinga also made an impact, dismissing Fakhar Zaman for 12 and Maaz Sadaqat for a duck in the fourth over. Fakhar’s dismissal marked his 100th six in T20 internationals, according to Dawn’s match report.
Pakistan made a brisk start, with Farhan and Fakhar scoring 34 runs in the first three overs. However, Malinga’s double strike shifted the momentum, and Sri Lanka continued to take wickets as the innings progressed.
Hasan Nawaz scored 16, while Khawaja Nafay made three, Mohammad Imran six and Abdul Samad 15.
Pakistan Entered the Match with Series Already Won
Pakistan had secured the three-match series by winning the opening two games at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. They won the first T20I by four wickets and the second by 82 runs.
The third match provided Pakistan another opportunity to assess their batting depth, while Farhan’s innings and Arafat’s late contribution helped the side recover after a difficult middle phase.
