'Paijaan ye kya ho gya': Fans react after Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in 3rd T20I

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final T20I in Rawalpindi, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 87-run knock from Kusal Mendis. The Sri Lankan batter dominated Pakistan’s bowlers, while Kamindu Mendis supported him with an unbeaten 40. Earlier, Dasun Shanaka picked up three wickets as Pakistan finished with 168/8.

Despite the convincing win, Sri Lanka had already lost the series after Pakistan won the first two matches. Pakistan secured the three-match series 2-1, while Sri Lanka ended the tour with a consolation victory. The visitors chased down the target in just 17.1 overs, losing only two wickets.

However, Pakistan faced strong criticism from fans following the defeat, despite winning the series. Several fans took to social media to mock the team, with reactions such as “Paijaan, ye kya ho gaya?” gaining attention. Sri Lanka’s dominant final-match performance gave fans plenty to talk about after Pakistan failed to defend their total.

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 8 wickets in the 3rd T20I: Match summary

Batting first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan scored 168/8 in 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan gave the hosts a quick start, adding 34 runs in the first three overs. However, Ehsan Malinga struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing Fakhar (12) and Maaz Sadaqat (0). Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 102/6 before Farhan and Arafat Minhas added 66 runs for the seventh wicket. Farhan top-scored with 76 off 47 balls, while Minhas remained unbeaten on 34 off 20 balls.

Chasing 169, Sri Lanka lost Lahiru Udara for just one run on the first ball of the second over. However, Kusal Mendis took charge and built a 59-run partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who scored 38 off 26 balls. Mendis then joined Kamindu Mendis to guide Sri Lanka towards victory. The pair added an unbeaten 92-run partnership to seal an eight-wicket win in just 17.1 overs, with 17 balls to spare.

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Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 87 off 48 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes, while Kamindu Mendis scored an unbeaten 40 off 27 balls. Earlier, Dasun Shanaka led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with three wickets for 21 runs, while Ehsan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara picked up two wickets each. Although Pakistan lost the final match, they won the three-match T20I series 2-1 after securing victories in the first two games.

Why Pakistan struggled: Key moments and performances that decided the match

Sahibzada Farhan was Pakistan’s standout batter, scoring 76 runs off 47 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. However, Ishan Malinga’s double-wicket over put Pakistan under pressure after he dismissed Fakhar Zaman and Maaz Sadaqat. Although Farhan helped Pakistan recover, Sri Lanka’s bowlers controlled the middle overs and restricted the hosts to 168/8.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers played a key role in limiting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities. Dasun Shanaka took three wickets for 21 runs, while Malinga and Nuwan Thushara picked up two wickets each. Pakistan also benefited from a late partnership between Farhan and Arafat Minhas, who scored an unbeaten 34 off 20 balls. However, the total was not enough to stop Sri Lanka’s strong batting performance.

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Pakistan struggled further as Kusal Mendis led Sri Lanka’s chase with an unbeaten 87 off 48 balls. Kamindu Mendis supported him with an unbeaten 40 off 27 balls as the pair added 92 runs without losing a wicket. Sri Lanka reached the target in 17.1 overs, winning by eight wickets. Although Pakistan secured the series 2-1, their bowling attack failed to defend the total in the final match.

Netizens react to Pakistan’s “Original form” and what comes next in the series

After Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket victory in the third T20I, fans took to social media to criticise Pakistan’s performance. Many fans mocked the team despite Pakistan winning the three-match series 2-1. Comments such as “Paijaan, ye kya ho gaya?” reflected the disappointment of fans after Sri Lanka dominated the final match in Rawalpindi.

Several fans also reacted to Pakistan’s bowling performance, as the team failed to defend a target of 169 runs. Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 87 and Kamindu Mendis’ unbeaten 40 helped Sri Lanka complete the chase in just 17.1 overs. The convincing win gave Sri Lanka a positive finish to the series, while Pakistan faced criticism for their performance in the final game. Here is  how the fans reacted on X:

With the three-match T20I series now over, Pakistan will look to learn from their mistakes and improve their performance in upcoming matches. Despite losing the final game, Pakistan secured the series with victories in the first two T20Is. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will take confidence from their strong finish, especially the performances of Kusal Mendis and their bowlers.