Sri Lanka clinched a six-run win over Pakistan on Thursday to book their place in the T20I tri-series final, surviving a late surge from the hosts in a high-scoring contest at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The result, Sri Lanka’s second victory of the tournament, confirmed their spot in Saturday’s final—also against Pakistan—while eliminating Zimbabwe, who finished at the bottom of the table with two points.
Pakistan Fall Short Despite Agha’s Fighting Fifty
Chasing 185, Pakistan closed at 179/7 after a faltering start left them struggling to recover. Captain Salman Ali Agha kept his side alive with an unbeaten half-century, but the early collapse proved too costly.
Pakistan’s reply began steadily before Dushmantha Chameera dismantled the top order in a decisive fourth over, removing Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam—who departed for a two-ball duck. Further wickets of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman during the powerplay left Pakistan teetering at 43/4.
Usman Khan partnered Agha for a 56-run stand that steadied the innings, but Sri Lanka struck back again when Wanindu Hasaranga removed the wicketkeeper-batter for a lively 33. A late 70-run blitz between Agha and Mohammad Nawaz revived Pakistan’s hopes, but Eshan Malinga broke the stand in the penultimate over.
With 10 needed off the final six balls, skipper Dasun Shanaka entrusted Chameera, who conceded only three runs and claimed a wicket to seal the narrow win. The pacer finished with stellar figures of 4/20, the standout performance of the match.
Mishara Leads Sri Lanka to Competitive 184/5
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 184/5 after being asked to bat first. Though Pathum Nissanka fell early, Lasith Croospulle Mishara and Kusal Mendis shifted momentum with a blistering 66-run partnership off just 35 balls.
Mendis smashed 40 off 23 before falling lbw to Abrar Ahmed, while Mishara dominated Pakistan’s bowlers with a commanding 76 off 48, striking six fours and three sixes. He later anchored another important stand, adding 57 with Janith Liyanage before being dismissed in the 17th over.
Liyanage contributed a steady unbeaten 24, and Shanaka added late acceleration with a 10-ball 17 as Sri Lanka closed with a strong total.
Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s most effective bowler, returning 2/28, while Nawaz and Salman Mirza picked up one wicket each.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan will now face off again in the tri-series final, with both sides eyeing momentum heading toward the upcoming international calendar.
