Sri Lanka Clinch Dramatic Victory to Enter Tri-Series Final
Dushmantha Chameera delivered a masterclass in death bowling, defending 10 runs in the final over to secure Sri Lanka a thrilling six-run win over Pakistan in the T20 tri-series clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.
The tense finish sent Sri Lanka straight into Saturday’s final and stunned a packed home crowd.
Pakistan Fall Short Despite Salman Ali Agha’s Fighting 63
Chasing 184, Pakistan needed just 10 runs off the last six balls with three wickets in hand. Captain Salman Ali Agha, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63 off 44, managed only a single off the first ball.
Chameera then dismissed Faheem Ashraf (7) with a pinpoint yorker before sealing the game as Mohammad Wasim failed to connect with the final delivery — another perfect yorker.
Read Also: Pakistan’s Full Fixture and Schedule in T20 World Cup 2026
Early Collapse Puts Pakistan Under Pressure
Pakistan began brightly, reaching 28/0 in three overs, but the momentum shifted dramatically when Chameera removed Sahibzada Farhan (9) and Babar Azam (0) in the same over.
Young pacer Eshan Malinga added to the pressure by bowling Saim Ayub (27 off 18), reducing Pakistan to 43/4 inside six overs.
Middle-Order Resistance: Salman, Usman, and Nawaz Fight Back
- Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan (33 off 23) revived the innings with a crucial 56-run partnership.
- After Usman fell to Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Nawaz (27 off 16) joined Salman to add a blistering 70 off 36 balls for the sixth wicket.
With 22 needed off 12 balls, Pakistan remained in the chase until Nawaz skied one to long-off, giving Sri Lanka a decisive opening.
Chameera ended with a stunning 4/20, including the match-defining final over.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Named 2026 T20 WC Ambassador After Candid Remark
Kamil Mishara’s 76 Powers Sri Lanka to 184/5
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total thanks to a brilliant 76 off 48 balls by Kamil Mishara, including six fours and three sixes.
Key highlights of Sri Lanka’s innings:
Strong Partnerships
- Mishara and Kusal Mendis (40 off 23) added 66 runs for the second wicket, maintaining a scoring rate above nine per over.
- A late burst from Dasun Shanaka (17 off 10) and Janith Liyanage (24)* pushed the total past 180.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
On a batting-friendly pitch:
- Abrar Ahmed (2/28) was the standout bowler with clever variations.
- Salman Mirza removed Pathum Nissanka early with a smart slower cutter.
- Wasim and Faheem proved expensive as Sri Lanka controlled the innings for most of the match.
Sri Lanka’s Dominance in the Powerplay
Sri Lanka flew to 58/0 in the first six overs, with Mendis punishing anything short.
His stylish knock included six boundaries and one six before Abrar trapped him lbw.
Despite a mid-innings wobble, Mishara kept attacking with switch-hits, inside-out lofted shots, and clean striking that never allowed Pakistan to regain full control.
Read More:
Final Verdict
Sri Lanka’s all-round performance — highlighted by Mishara’s explosive 76 and Chameera’s ice-cold last over — secured their spot in the T20 tri-series final.
Pakistan, despite a valiant fightback led by Salman Ali Agha, fell agonizingly short.!
