RAWALPINDI: Pakistan clinched the Tri-Nation T20 Series title, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. In this sense, the chasing a modest target of 115, the hosts reached the finish line in the 19th over with four wickets in hand.
In this regard, Pakistan’s batting effort was anchored by Babar Azam, who remained unbeaten on 37 and guided the team to victory with a composed innings. Opener Saim Ayub contributed 36 runs, while Sahibzada Farhan added 23. Captain Salman Agha scored 14, and Fakhar Zaman fell early for 3. Mohammad Nawaz stayed unbeaten on 3 at the end.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack offered resistance through Praveen Ratnayake, who claimed two wickets. Isan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga picked up one wicket each.
In addition, Sri Lanka lost their first wicket at 20 when Shaheen Afridi dismissed Pathum Nissanka for 11. Mohammad Nawaz later broke the crucial 64-run partnership by removing Kusal Mendis for 14, leaving Sri Lanka at 84 for two.
Soon after, Saim Ayub dealt a major blow by dismissing Kamal Mishra, who played a standout innings of 59 off 47 balls, hitting four sixes and two fours.
His dismissal at 98 triggered the collapse. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets each. Abrar Ahmed claimed two, while Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza picked up one apiece.
Mohammad Nawaz was named Player of the Match as well as Player of the Series for his all-round performance.
The final was attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Freedy Sriweeratne. Meanwhile, both teams observed a one-minute silence in solidarity with the victims of recent devastating storms in Sri Lanka.
With this victory, Pakistan ended the series on a strong note, showcasing discipline with both bat and ball.
