Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in the final group match of the T20 Tri-Series 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 27. Despite the loss, Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka once again in the tournament final scheduled for Saturday, November 29. Earlier in the evening, the hosts had won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 184/5 in their 20 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka failed to make an impact, dismissed for just eight runs.
However, Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis steadied the innings with an impressive 66-run stand for the second wicket off just 36 balls. Mendis played a fluent knock of 40 from 23 deliveries, providing early momentum.
Mishara continued to dominate the innings, forming another vital partnership, this time with Janith Liyanage, adding 57 runs off 37 balls. Mishara’s exceptional innings of 76 off 48 balls, featuring six boundaries and three sixes, was the highlight of Sri Lanka’s batting performance. Toward the end, Dasun Shanaka contributed a quick-fire 17 off 10 balls to push the total past 180. For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed stood out with figures of 2/28 from his four overs.
Pakistan’s chase began on a shaky note as they lost key top-order batters cheaply. Sahibzada Farhan managed only nine, while Babar Azam departed for a duck. Saim Ayub scored a promising 27, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, leaving Pakistan under pressure.
Game goes down to wire
Agha Salman stood firm, playing the anchor role with a brilliant unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, which included four fours and three sixes. He stitched valuable partnerships, adding 56 runs with Usman Khan (33) for the fifth wicket and another 70 runs with Mohammad Nawaz, who scored a vital 27.
The equation came down to the final over, with Pakistan needing 10 runs to win. However, tight bowling from Sri Lanka ensured they fell short, handing the visitors a crucial victory and momentum heading into the final. Dushmantha Chameera bowled brilliantly, returning with figures of 4/20. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, the third team in the tri-series, managed just one win and failed to qualify for the summit clash.
