Pakistan’s win in the T20I tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on Saturday (November 30) will be remembered more than the trophy won in Rawalpindi.
The final turned into a night of pure drama, furious reactions and a moment that gave rise to one of the hottest scenes seen in Pakistan cricket in recent times.
Pakistan’s bowlers were lethal and restricted Sri Lanka to 114 runs with five balls to spare. Kamil Mishara scored a half-century which took the Islanders beyond 100 runs. For the Men in Green, Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi took three wickets each against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s anger goes viral before T20I tri-series win
Well, the moment that caught everyone’s attention came during the Sri Lankan innings, which surprised everyone.
Drama unfolded on the first ball of the 19th over when Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka tried to dismiss Shaheen Afridi. A slower ball was caught slightly and Shanaka took the lead.
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Fakhar Zaman made a quick comeback from short third with his eyes on the ball and threw himself into a full-length dive. The Pakistani opener came out of the field with the ball in his hand and Pakistan went into celebration. But this happiness lasted only for a few seconds.
The third umpire, Rashid Riaz, looked from several angles and then delivered a shock: the ball had hit the ground as Fakhar landed. The decision was overturned. Shanaka was given not out. Suddenly the whole atmosphere changed as Pakistani players went into shock.
Fakhar Zaman is angry, Shaheen Afridi got angry after umpire called Dasun Shanaka
Fakhar walked towards the on-field umpires in obvious disappointment, while Shaheen Afridi looked towards the umpire’s box, stunned and angry at the same time. While emotions were boiling, Pakistan took immediate revenge in the same over.
On the very next ball, Shaheen Afridi bowled another slow ball. Shanaka read it completely wrong and the stumps lit up. The reaction from Pakistan was explosive.
Shaheen Afridi spread his arms and turned towards the umpire’s box, clearly raising questions about whether the Sri Lankan captain was actually out. Even Fakhar Zaman quickly joined in, running through short third with his arms raised.
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Both players directed their gestures towards the TV umpire, turning their disappointment at the earlier decision into a wild and dramatic celebration on the field.
Pakistani players giving belt treatment to umpires #PAKvSL , #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/pgmjafpRSL
– Aamir (@khano_3) 29 November 2025
Pakistan chase an impressive target to lift the T20I Tri-Series trophy
Earlier, the Sri Lankan cricket team was playing at 84 runs for 1 wicket, but once the pressure increased, everything fell apart. Wickets fell one after the other and they collapsed to 114 runs, losing nine wickets for just 20 runs in 19.1 overs.
Kamil Mishara’s fighting 59 off 47 was the only positive result for the Islanders. Chasing the modest target, Pakistan were in complete control, with Saim Ayub scoring 36 while Babar Azam calmly led the innings and remained unbeaten on 37.
Pakistan scored 118 runs for 4 wickets with eight balls remaining and won the trophy in front of the home crowd. Earlier, Afghanistan had withdrawn from the T20 tri-series due to political tensions with Pakistan.
Notably, Pakistan is scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka next year for a three-match T20I series, starting from January 10 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.
