Sri Lanka clinched a nail-biting six-run win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi to storm into the final of the T20I Tri-nation Series. Kamil Mishara’s blazing 76 set up a strong total before Dushmantha Chameera delivered a masterful death-overs spell that broke Pakistan’s winning streak and sealed Sri Lanka’s back-to-back victories in the competition.
Mishara, Mendis Power Sri Lanka To Imposing Total
Electing to bowl, Pakistan were soon put under pressure by Sri Lanka’s aggressive top order. Kamil Mishara’s 76 off 48 balls, peppered with six fours and three sixes, anchored the innings. He found strong support in Kusal Mendis, who smashed a lively 40 off 23 balls during a 66-run stand.
After early strikes from Salman Mirza and Saim Ayub, Sri Lanka rebuilt through Mishara and Janith Liyanage’s steady 57-run partnership. A late burst from skipper Dasun Shanaka, 17 off 10 balls, lifted the total to 184/5, with 24 coming off the final two overs.
Pakistan Stumble Early but Salman Agha Fights Back
Pakistan’s chase suffered a heavy blow in the Powerplay, sliding to 43/4 as Chameera, Eshan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga ripped through the top order. Only Saim Ayub offered early resistance with a brisk 27 off 18 balls.
Into the chaos stepped captain Salman Ali Agha, who produced his highest T20I score, 63 off 44 balls; to resurrect the innings.
Where we came from, 40 for 4; you don't often come back and chase it down: It was gettable with the dew, but we lost too many wickets in the powerplay.
His partnerships of 56 with Usman Khan and 70 with Mohammad Nawaz dragged Pakistan deep into the contest. Nawaz’s explosive 27 off 16 balls included two sixes in a spell that turned the chase alive heading into the death overs.
Chameera’s Cold-Blooded Brilliance Seals The Game
With Pakistan needing 22 off the last two overs, Nawaz briefly swung momentum back before falling to Malinga. A boundary from Faheem Ashraf left Pakistan needing 10 off the final over.
Chameera, entrusted with the ball, executed to perfection. Mixing yorkers with subtle changes of pace, he conceded just three runs and dismissed Faheem off the penultimate ball, finishing with 4-20 and the Player of the Match award.
I am happy. My plan was to bowl straight, wicket to wicket: After the dew, it was easy to bat, so I stuck to my strengths and the execution was right.
A leg-before call overturned against Faheem moments earlier added to the tension, but Chameera remained unshaken.
Shanaka Hails ‘All-Round Performance’
Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka praised his team’s resilience after two straight wins secured their place in the final.
Really happy. Proud of how the boys bounced back: Everybody contributed. Mishara showed his capability and Chameera produced world-class bowling. An all-round performance and we’re looking forward to the final.
Sri Lanka will now meet Pakistan again in the title showdown on 29 November at Rawalpindi.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 184/5 in 20 overs (Kamil Mishara 76, Kusal Mendis 40; Abrar Ahmed 2-28) Pakistan 178/7 in 20 overs (Salman Ali Agha 63*, Usman Khan 33; Dushmantha Chameera 4-20, Eshan Malinga 2-54): Sri Lanka won by six runs.
