Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis has blamed fielding errors and a shortfall of 20 to 30 runs for his team’s three-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the ODI tri-series final in Lahore.
LAHORE: Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis has identified missed opportunities in the field and an insufficient batting total as key factors behind his side’s defeat to Pakistan in the final of the ODI tri-nation series.
Speaking to the media after the match, Mendis said Sri Lanka could have scored another 20 to 30 runs, which might have made the contest more challenging for Pakistan.
Fielding Errors Prove Costly
Mendis acknowledged that Sri Lanka made several mistakes in the field during the final, contributing to the team’s defeat.
Despite the loss, he said Sri Lanka had performed well overall throughout the series.
The captain also praised the performances of Pavan Rathnayake, Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis, highlighting their contributions during the tournament.
Pakistan Chase Down 326-Run Target
Sri Lanka set Pakistan a target of 326 runs in the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan successfully chased down the total for the loss of seven wickets, reaching the target with 10 balls to spare and securing a three-wicket victory.
Fakhar Zaman led Pakistan’s batting effort with a century, while Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas made impressive half-centuries to help their team cross the finish line.
The result secured the tri-series title for Pakistan, while Sri Lanka were left to reflect on the missed opportunities that proved decisive in the final.