DAMBULLA: Pakistan conceded “too many runs” to allow Sri Lanka to level the three-match Twenty20 International series, national side captain Salman Ali Agha said after the final game at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan won the first match by six wickets while the second game was washed out before Sri Lanka came back to take the rain-marred third game by 15 runs.
After the match was cut down to 12 overs per innings, Sri Lanka smashed 160, riding on Dasun Shanaka’s nine-ball 34, a target Pakistan fell short of eventually.
“We conceded too many runs. 160 is always going to be too many,” Salman said in the post-match press conference. “But we always believe we can chase whatever target is thrown at us. That’s why we got that close.”
Salman himself was up to the task, coming in to bat at number three after Pakistan lost opener Sahibzada Farhan early. The right-hander played a stunning 12-ball knock for 45, which featured three sixes and four fours but failed to go on for long enough to take Pakistan over the line.
“When you’re chasing 160, you just watch the ball and try to hit and maximise every single delivery,” he noted. “That’s what I was trying to do.
“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.”
The series served as a warm-up for Pakistan ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka, where Salman and co. will play all their matches of the showpiece. The all-rounder said he would have preferred more games in the series.
“I would have loved to have a five-game series,” he observed. “At least then we would have had three games to decide who won the series.
“But for us, this series was about preparation for the World Cup. We know Sri Lanka always has rain.
“Today was a learning experience for us — how to bowl with a wet ball. I think that’s going to play a big part in the World Cup as well. So it was a good learning experience, and I think we’ve ticked that box.”
The series also saw all-rounder Shadab Khan make his return for Pakistan for the first time since June last year. The leg-spinner was brilliant with the ball in the first T20I, taking 2-25 and also contributing with the bat later on.
Pakistan also tested promising batter Khawaja Nafay in the final ODI and saw him impress with 26 off 15 as they tested their depth ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pacer Salman Mirza, too continued his form.
“The positives: the way Nafay batted today was outstanding, and the way Salman bowled as well,” captain Salman said. “Shadab Khan came back after a long injury and bowled really well in both matches, and he batted well too.”
Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2026
