Sri Lanka booked their place in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 final after defeating the home team by just six runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, November 27.
Sri Lanka post a strong total in the must-win game
Sri Lanka’s innings, after losing the toss, was anchored by Kamil Mishara’s blistering 76 off 48 deliveries, a knock laced with six fours and three sixes.
Mishara found solid support from Kusal Mendis, who smashed a rapid 40 off just 23 balls, helping the visitors recover swiftly after Pathum Nissanka’s early exit for 8. Janith Liyanage also played a steady hand in the middle overs, ensuring the run rate never dipped.
Late fireworks came from skipper Dasun Shanaka, whose quick 17 off 10 balls pushed Sri Lanka past the 180 mark. Pakistan’s most effective bowler was Abrar Ahmed (2/28), who successfully applied pressure in the middle overs but couldn’t prevent Sri Lanka from accelerating in the death. The visitors’ batting depth proved crucial as they set a total that was always going to test Pakistan under lights.
Dushmantha Chameera’s fierce powerplay burst and nerve-wrecking final over
Sri Lanka’s victory was built on the back of Dushmantha Chameera’s extraordinary 4/20, a spell that combined raw pace, accuracy, and clever variations. He rattled Pakistan early by removing key top-order batters – including Babar Azam for a duck – within the powerplay.
His wicket-to-wicket lines left Pakistan struggling to regain momentum, and every breakthrough shifted the game sharply toward Sri Lanka. Chameera’s final over became the defining moment: with Pakistan needing just 10 runs, he conceded only three while bowling pinpoint yorkers. The decisive delivery was a crushing yorker that removed Faheem Ashraf (7) and extinguished Pakistan’s hopes.
Young pacer Eshan Malinga chipped in with 2/54, offering crucial support despite the pressure of Pakistan’s late charge. Chameera’s spell was ultimately the difference – earning him the Player of the Match award.
Pakistan’s late surge falls short despite Salman Ali Agha’s heroics
Pakistan endured a shaky start to their chase, losing Sahibzada Farhan (9) and Babar early, leaving the middle order with significant work to do. Brief resistance came from Saim Ayub (27) and Usman Khan (33), who attempted to rebuild the innings with positive stroke play.
The innings eventually stabilized thanks to Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, a composed and calculated knock that held Pakistan’s hopes together. He stitched together partnerships of 56 and 70 runs, gradually dragging Pakistan back into the contest.
With ten runs needed in the final over, the momentum appeared to favor the hosts. However, dew-covered conditions and rising tension couldn’t prevent Chameera from executing flawlessly. Pakistan finished on 178/7, falling agonizingly short of the target by six runs.
The result sets Sri Lanka up for a showdown in the Tri-Series final on Saturday (November 29), edging out Zimbabwe to secure their berth.
