Pakistan Dominates Sri Lanka to Clinch T20I Tri-Series Title

Pakistan clinched the T20I tri-series title with a dominant six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final, thanks to standout performances from Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi. On Saturday, at Rawalpindi Stadium, Nawaz secured figures of 3-17, while Shaheen contributed with 3-18, leading to Sri Lanka being bowled out for just 114 in 19.1 overs. Pakistan comfortably chased the target with eight balls remaining.

Zimbabwe, the third team in the series, lost three out of four matches, finishing in last place. In the decisive match, Sri Lanka struggled after a modest total and early breakthroughs by Pakistani openers Saim Ayub (36) and Sahibzada Farhan (23), who established a solid 46-run stand in under eight overs.

Babar Azam’s unbeaten 37 guided Pakistan to victory despite the quick dismissals of skipper Salman Agha (14) and Fakhar Zaman (3). Agha remarked, “It was a great performance from us. Winning against South Africa and now Sri Lanka made this a very successful two months.”

Earlier, Sri Lanka, who opted to bat first, lost nine wickets for just 30 runs after reaching 84-1 in the 11th over. Kamil Mishara’s robust 47-ball 59, including four sixes and two boundaries, set the stage for a promising total. However, Mishara’s and Kusal Mendis’ (14) departure within three overs led to a collapse.

Nawaz’s dismissal of Mendis and Mishara falling to Ayub’s bowling escalated pressure on the Sri Lankan side. The lower order crumbled as Nawaz and Shaheen dismantled the batting lineup, leaving no batsman reaching double figures. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka noted, “We couldn’t build on a good platform because Pakistan bowled very well. We need to fine-tune our game ahead of the next series and the World Cup.”

The Twenty20 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March next year.

Published on Nov 29, 2025.