Source: Cricbuzz

The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo witnessed a cricketing spectacle of the highest order, albeit a truncated one, as Sri Lanka clawed their way back into the series against Pakistan. In a thrilling 12-overs-a-side contest during the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2026, the home side successfully defended a daunting total of 160, largely thanks to a breathtaking spell of 4-35 from their spin wizard, Wanindu Hasaranga. This decisive victory not only leveled the series but also injected a massive dose of momentum and confidence into the Sri Lankan camp, setting up a tantalizing decider.

The Shortened Spectacle: A Battle Against Time and Rain

Cricket often throws up unexpected challenges, and the second match of the series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was a prime example. Persistent rain delays forced match officials to reduce the encounter to a frantic 12 overs per side, transforming the usual T20 dynamics into an even more explosive, high-stakes affair. Every ball, every boundary, and every wicket suddenly carried amplified significance, demanding immediate impact and fearless execution from both sides.

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first, understanding the need to post an imposing total on a pitch that looked conducive to stroke play. From the very first over, the Lions unleashed an aggressive onslaught. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis set the tone with blistering boundaries, maximizing the powerplay restrictions. Nissanka, in particular, was in sublime form, finding gaps with surgical precision and clearing the ropes with effortless power. The middle order, led by Charith Asalanka and captain Dasun Shanaka, continued the rampage, ensuring that the scoring rate never dipped below a staggering 13 runs per over. Their calculated aggression, combined with some audacious hitting, propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable 160 runs in their allotted 12 overs. It was a target that, in normal circumstances, would be challenging in a full T20, let alone a 12-over sprint. Pakistan’s bowlers, despite the best efforts of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, found themselves on the receiving end of a brutal exhibition of power hitting, struggling to contain the flow of runs.

Hasaranga’s Web of Deception: A Game-Changing Spell

With 161 runs required for victory, Pakistan’s chase began with characteristic intent. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, two of the world’s premier T20 batsmen, looked set to anchor the chase with their usual blend of aggression and finesse. They scored freely in the initial overs, threatening to make short work of the target. However, Sri Lanka held their ace up their sleeve: Wanindu Hasaranga.

Introduced into the attack in the crucial middle overs, Hasaranga wasted no time in making his presence felt. His deceptive leg-spin and potent googly immediately tied down the free-scoring Pakistani batsmen. In a format where batsmen are compelled to take risks, Hasaranga thrived, preying on their desperation. His first wicket was a testament to his guile, a perfectly flighted delivery that deceived Babar Azam, drawing him forward only to find the edge and a sharp catch behind the stumps. This critical breakthrough sent ripples of anxiety through the Pakistani dugout.

Key Moments of the Spell

• The Babar Azam Dismissal: A moment of pure class, Hasaranga outfoxed Pakistan’s talisman, proving that even the best can be undone by his wizardry. This wicket broke a threatening opening partnership.
• Double Strike in an Over: The leg-spinner delivered a pivotal over where he snared two wickets, including a well-set Fakhar Zaman, who tried to sweep only to miss a ripping googly that crashed into his stumps. This effectively derailed Pakistan’s momentum and put Sri Lanka firmly in control.
• Maintaining Pressure: Despite the high-scoring nature of the game, Hasaranga maintained an excellent economy rate while picking up crucial wickets. His ability to bowl dots and force errors under immense pressure was unparalleled. His spell of 4-35 in a 12-over game where the average run rate was over 13 highlights the exceptional control and wicket-taking prowess he exhibited.

Each wicket he took wasn’t just a number; it was a momentum shifter, a blow to Pakistan’s confidence, and a surge of belief for Sri Lanka. Hasaranga’s performance wasn’t merely good; it was a masterclass in T20 spin bowling, demonstrating why he is considered one of the most dangerous white-ball bowlers in the world. He effectively choked the run flow and created opportunities at a time when Pakistan needed to accelerate.

Pakistan’s Valiant Chase: Stumbling Blocks and Near Misses

While Hasaranga stole the headlines, Pakistan’s batsmen fought hard against the rising required run rate and Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. After the early loss of Babar, Mohammad Rizwan tried to steady the ship, but the pressure of the ever-increasing asking rate meant that calculated risks were unavoidable. Shadab Khan and Asif Ali provided brief flashes of brilliance, hitting a few towering sixes that kept the Pakistani faithful on the edge of their seats. However, with Hasaranga decimating the top and middle order, the remaining batsmen found themselves with too much to do against a well-marshalled Sri Lankan attack.

The Sri Lankan fielders backed their bowlers with enthusiasm, pulling off some sharp catches and saving crucial runs in the deep. The collective energy of the home side was palpable, reflecting their determination to bounce back in the series.

The Pressure Cooker: Final Overs Drama

As the game entered its final three overs, Pakistan still harbored faint hopes, needing almost 15 runs an over. Despite a couple of boundaries, the precision of Sri Lanka’s death bowlers, particularly Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera, proved too much. Their variations in pace and length made it incredibly difficult for the lower order to find the boundaries required. The tension was electrifying as the final over began, with Pakistan requiring an improbable 22 runs. While they managed to hit a six and a four, it was not enough, and Sri Lanka ultimately secured a comfortable 15-run victory, restricting Pakistan to 145/8 in their 12 overs.

Broader Implications: Series Level and Momentum Shift

This victory for Sri Lanka has profound implications for the ongoing Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2026. Having lost the first encounter, the home side was under immense pressure to perform, and they delivered emphatically. The series now stands at 1-1, setting up a thrilling series decider that promises to be a nail-biter. More than just a win, this performance instilled a renewed sense of belief and confidence within the Sri Lankan squad. Their aggressive batting, particularly in a shortened game, showcased their intent and adaptability.

For Pakistan, this loss will serve as a valuable learning experience. While the shortened format presented unique challenges, their inability to counter Hasaranga’s spin and maintain composure under pressure will be areas of focus. The upcoming decider will test both teams’ mental fortitude and strategic acumen to the fullest.

The Hasaranga Factor: A Glimpse into the Future

Wanindu Hasaranga’s performance was not just a match-winning effort; it was a stark reminder of his irreplaceable value to Sri Lankan cricket. As a genuine match-winner, he possesses the rare ability to turn games on their head almost single-handedly. His continued evolution as a T20 specialist, capable of picking wickets in all phases of the innings, makes him a prized asset. Against a quality batting lineup like Pakistan, his heroics underscore his standing as one of the elite spinners in the global T20 landscape. His ability to deliver under pressure, especially in a high-octane, shortened format, further solidifies his reputation as a big-game player. With the series on the line, Sri Lanka will undoubtedly look to their spin maestro to weave his magic once more.

The Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2026, has now truly come alive. After an evening of high drama, explosive hitting, and an unforgettable spell of bowling, cricket fans around the world eagerly await the final showdown, anticipating another captivating contest between these two passionate cricketing nations.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on news aggregated from multiple cricket sources. Cricket Mantra provides analysis and insights to cricket fans worldwide.