Sri Lanka claimed a crucial six-run win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi and booked their place in the T20I tri-series final. The tight contest created major excitement for fans as the visitors controlled key moments and held their nerve until the final ball. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s late recovery fell short despite an unbeaten fifty from captain Salman Ali Agha.
Sri Lanka Seal Final Spot With Strong All-Round Display
Sri Lanka posted 184/5 after a brisk second-wicket stand between Mishara and Kusal Mendis. Their aggressive partnership shifted momentum early and pushed Pakistan onto the defensive. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s composed batting in the final overs lifted the total to a competitive level.
Pakistan’s chase ended at 179/7, giving Sri Lanka their second win of the tournament and a place in Saturday’s final at the same venue. As a result, Zimbabwe crashed out with only two points.
Pakistan Collapse Early After Cautious Start
Pakistan began the chase cautiously as Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub added 29 runs for the first wicket. However, the fourth over created immediate trouble when Dushmantha Chameera removed Farhan and dismissed Babar Azam for a duck. Therefore, Pakistan slipped to 29/2 and lost momentum.
Wickets continued to fall as Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman departed inside the powerplay. Consequently, Pakistan reached only 43/4 after six overs. Ayub contributed 27 off 18 balls with confident strokes despite the pressure.
Agha and Usman Build Recovery But Fall Short
Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan then fought back by adding 56 runs off 41 balls. Usman scored 33 off 23 with two sixes and two fours before Wanindu Hasaranga ended his stay. This stand stabilised the innings and created hope for a late push.
Afterward, Mohammad Nawaz partnered with Agha and shifted momentum again. Their 70-run stand off 36 balls brought Pakistan back into the contest. Nawaz struck 27 off 16 deliveries before Eshan Malinga removed him in the second-last over.
Pakistan needed 10 runs from the final over. However, Chameera returned and allowed only three runs while taking another wicket, securing a dramatic win for his team. He finished with outstanding figures of 4/20 in four overs.
Sri Lanka’s Innings Anchored by Mishara’s Blazing Knock
Earlier, Sri Lanka recovered from the early dismissal of Pathum Nissanka, who fell with the total at 16. Mishara and Mendis then produced a rapid 66-run stand off 35 balls. Abrar Ahmed ended this partnership by trapping Mendis for a valuable 40 off 23 balls.
Even after the brief wobble created by Kusal Perera’s departure, Sri Lanka continued to build through Mishara’s commanding innings. His 76 off 48 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, became the backbone of Sri Lanka’s total.
Janith Liyanage added an unbeaten 24, while skipper Dasun Shanaka chipped in with 17 off 10 balls. Their contributions ensured Sri Lanka reached a strong score.
Pakistan Bowling Shows Moments of Control
Abrar Ahmed delivered Pakistan’s best figures, taking 2/28 in four overs. Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Mirza picked one wicket each. Although Pakistan created breakthroughs during key overs, they struggled to contain Sri Lanka during the middle phase.
A Final Filled With High Expectations
Sri Lanka’s disciplined effort earned them a well-deserved spot in the title clash. Pakistan, despite a spirited recovery, must address early-innings collapses before challenging Sri Lanka again on Saturday.
