Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025, Final: Shaheen, Nawaz and Babar star as Pakistan emerge victorious in low-scoring final

Pakistan completed a dominant campaign in the T20I Tri-Series 2025 with a clinical six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final at Rawalpindi on November 29. The Men in Green's spinners, including Mohammad Nawaz, dismantled Sri Lanka’s start before Babar Azam’s unbeaten knock ensured a comfortable chase. The victory handed the hosts their fourth tri-series final win in seven years, and their first multi-team tournament final win on home soil.

The clash began with Pakistan opting to field first on a spin-friendly

pitch. With Shaheen Afridi returning from injury and a well-balanced attack featuring Abrar Ahmed, Nawaz, and Saim Ayub, Pakistan were looking to exploit the conditions. Sri Lanka, unchanged from their must-win clash against Pakistan two days earlier, hoped their spinners and in-form batter Kamil Mishara would drive them to a strong total.

Sri Lanka began well despite losing Pathum Nissanka early to a slower ball from Shaheen. Mishara, continuing his excellent form, smashed 17 runs off Salman Mirza in the final over of the powerplay. Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis lifted Sri Lanka to a strong 84 for 1 by the 11th over.

The collapse began with Mendis being dismissed by Nawaz, following which the island nation lost nine wickets for just 30 runs. Nawaz bagged three wickets, removing Mendis, Liyanage, and Hasaranga, while Saim Ayub dismissed the well-set Mishara for 59. Abrar Ahmed chipped in by removing Perera and Rathnayake in quick succession. Ace pacer, Shaheen, returned to bowl out the lower order, finishing with three wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 114 in 19.1 overs.

Pakistan’s chase witnessed Sahibzada Farhan and Ayub adding 46 for the first wicket. Farhan fell for 23, but Ayub continued his form before being trapped lbw by Hasaranga for 36. Babar Azam then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 37 off 34. Small partnerships with Salman Agha and Fakhar Zaman ensured no further problems, and with eight balls to spare, Babar cut Chameera for four to seal victory.