Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted that his team conceded “too many runs” as Sri Lanka leveled the three-match Twenty20 International series after a rain-shortened decider at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
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Pakistan had won the first match by six wickets, while the second game was washed out. In the third T20I, reduced to 12 overs per side, Sri Lanka posted 160, powered by Dasun Shanaka’s explosive 34 off nine balls. Pakistan fell short, losing by 15 runs despite a valiant effort from Salman.
“I wish I could have batted three or four more overs — it would have been even more entertaining. But yes, I would have been very happy if it was in a winning cause,” Salman said after the match. Coming in at number three after the early loss of opener Sahibzada Farhan, he struck 45 off 12 balls, including three sixes and four fours, but could not guide Pakistan over the line.
Salman emphasized that the series was crucial preparation ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup, which Pakistan will play in Sri Lanka. “Today was a learning experience for us — how to bowl with a wet ball. That’s going to play a big part in the World Cup as well,” he noted. He also expressed a wish for a longer series, saying a five-game series would have allowed the teams to better determine a winner.
The series marked the return of leg-spinner Shadab Khan for Pakistan after an extended injury layoff. Shadab impressed with 2-25 in the first T20I and contributed with the bat, while emerging batter Khawaja Nafay scored 26 off 15 balls in the decider. Pacer Salman Mirza also continued his promising form.
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“The positives: the way Nafay batted today, Salman’s bowling, and Shadab’s comeback performance — all are encouraging signs ahead of the World Cup,” Salman added.