Sri Lanka set total of 161 in 12 Overs against Pakistan in 3rd T20

The series decider at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium has transformed from a cricket match into a video game highlight reel. In a rain-curtailed encounter reduced to just 12 overs per side, the Sri Lankan batters have unleashed absolute fury, setting Pakistan a daunting target of 161 runs.

For the visitors to clinch the series 2-0, they will need to pull off a heist of historic proportions, scoring at a required run rate of 13.41 runs per over from ball one.

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The Dambulla Deluge: Sri Lanka’s Batting Fury

After rain delayed proceedings and shortened the game, the pitch—expected to be tacky—played like a batter’s paradise. Sri Lanka, knowing the margin for error was non-existent, threw caution to the wind.

The onslaught began early and never let up. The opening exchanges set the tone, with Kamil Mishara making his intent clear against the new ball. Despite losing wickets, the aggressive approach didn’t waver. The highlight of the innings was the relentless boundary hitting that dismantled the Pakistani attack.

• The Powerplay Assault: The first three overs (powerplay in this format) saw the Lankan Lions amass a massive total, capitalizing on the wet outfield and the skidding ball.
• Middle Order Musketry: Dhananjaya de Silva played a pivotal role in keeping the momentum high, finding gaps with surgical precision even as Pakistan tried to introduce spin to stem the flow.
• The Finishing Kick: The death overs were brutal for the Pakistani bowlers. With wickets in hand being less of a concern in a 12-over dash, the lower order swung for the fences on every delivery, propelling the score past the psychological 150-mark to finish at an imposing 160.

Pakistan’s Bowling Blues

It was a forgettable outing for the “Men in Green” with the ball. The usually disciplined Pakistani attack struggled to grip the wet ball, leading to a plethora of full tosses and slot balls that were punished.

• Naseem Shah tried to mix his lengths but found the wet ball hard to control, conceding boundaries despite beating the bat occasionally.
• Mohammad Wasim Jr provided the only real sparks of resistance. His ability to pick up wickets—including the dangerous Mishara—was a silver lining, but even he wasn’t spared from the high-scoring carnage.
• Spin Struggles: The wet ball nullified the threat of Pakistan’s spinners, who struggled to find turn or grip, allowing the Sri Lankan batters to hit through the line with confidence.

The Chase Equation: 161 Runs | 72 Balls

Pakistan now faces a “Mission Impossible” scenario. Chasing 161 in a standard T20 (20 overs) is competitive; chasing it in 12 overs is unheard of.

The Strategy: There is no time for “settling in.” Pakistan’s openers, likely Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, must go airborne immediately. The team needs a boundary almost every three balls to keep up with the asking rate.

1. Saim Ayub’s “No-Look” Power: The young lefty will be key. His ability to access the leg-side boundary against pace will be crucial in the first 4 overs.
2. Middle Order Firepower: If the top order provides a platform (e.g., 60 runs in the first 4 overs), the onus will fall on Usman Khan and Salman Ali Agha to maintain the tempo without panicking.
3. The Dew Factor: If there is any solace for Pakistan, it is that the Sri Lankan bowlers will face the same wet ball issues. A slippery ball could mean more full tosses and extras, which Pakistan will need in abundance.

Verdict: A Test of Nerve

While Sri Lanka is firmly in the driver’s seat, the short boundaries at Dambulla and the unpredictability of the T10-style format mean the game isn’t over until the final ball. Pakistan has the firepower, but do they have the nerve to sustain a striking rate of 220+ for an entire innings?

The crowd at Dambulla has already witnessed a spectacle. Now, they await the response.

Live Score Summary:

• Sri Lanka: 160/7 (12 Overs)
• Pakistan Target: 161 from 72 balls.
• Required Rate: 13.41 RPO.