Sri Lanka I booked my place in Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 Final after defeating the home team by just six runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 27 November.
Sri Lanka made a strong score in the match and it is necessary to win.
Sri Lanka, who came to bat first after losing the toss, managed Kamil Mishara’s stormy innings of 76 runs in 48 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes.
Mishra received solid support from Kusal Mendis, who scored a quickfire 40 off just 23 balls, helping the visitors recover quickly after Pathum Nissanka was out early for 8. Zenith Liyanage also played a steady role in the middle overs, ensuring that the run rate never dropped.
There were late fireworks from captain Dasun Shanaka, whose quickfire 17 off 10 balls took Sri Lanka past 180. Pakistan’s most effective bowler was Abrar Ahmed (2/28), who successfully applied pressure in the middle overs but could not stop Sri Lanka from gaining momentum in the death overs. The visiting team’s batting depth proved crucial as they posted a total that was always going to test Pakistan under floodlights.
Dushmantha Chameera’s fierce powerplay explosion and nerve-wracking 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 troubled Pakistan early by dismissing key top-order batsmen, including Babar Azam, for ducks within the powerplay.
His wicket-to-wicket line left Pakistan struggling to regain momentum and every breakthrough turned the game increasingly Sri Lanka’s way. Chameera’s final over became the decisive moment: Pakistan needed only 10 runs, and he gave away only three, bowling an accurate yorker. The decisive ball was a tremendous yorker which ended Pakistan’s hopes by dismissing Faheem Ashraf (7).
Young fast bowler Ishan Malinga took 2/54, providing vital support despite the pressure of Pakistan’s late charge. Chameera’s magic ultimately made the difference – earning him the Player of the Match award.
Despite Salman Ali Aga’s bravery, Pakistan’s late lead was limited.
Chasing the target, Pakistan had a bad start and lost the wickets of Sahibzada Farhan (9) and Babar early, due to which the middle order had to work hard. Brief resistance came from Saeem Ayub (27) and Usman Khan (33), who attempted to rebuild the innings with positive stroke play.
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The innings eventually settled down thanks to Salman Ali Aga’s unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, a composed and calculated innings that kept Pakistan’s hopes alive. They made partnerships of 56 and 70 and gradually pulled Pakistan back into the contest.
Ten runs were needed from the final over and the momentum looked to be in favor of the hosts. However, the dewy conditions and increasing tension could not stop Chameera from performing flawlessly. Pakistan finished at 178/7Left six runs short of the target.
The result set Sri Lanka up to book their place by defeating Zimbabwe in the tri-series final on Saturday (November 29).
