Shaheen Shah Afridi marked his return with a fiery 3–18, while Mohammad Nawaz delivered 3–17, bundling Sri Lanka out for a modest 114 in Rawalpindi. The visitors plunged from 98–2 to 114 all out, undone by Pakistan’s tight spin trio — Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed (2–18) and Saim Ayub (1–17), who combined for 6–52.
Kamil Mishara top-scored with 59, but once Nawaz removed Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka suffered a swift and total collapse. No batter from No. 4–11 reached double digits.
Openers Set Up Calm Pakistani Chase
Pakistan’s reply was steady. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put on 46 for the first wicket. Saim’s 36 off 33 kept the chase on track before Babar Azam completed the job with a composed 37 off 34*. Sri Lanka’s Pavan Rathnayake claimed 2–11 in a brief late push, but Pakistan crossed the line with eight balls to spare at 118/4.
Pakistan’s Record T20I Year Continues
The victory marked Pakistan’s 21st T20I win of 2025, their highest in a calendar year since entering the format in 2006. The team won four of five matches in the tri-series.
Before the World Cup, you want your 15 ready… We’re clear on our players and giving chances to everyone.
Player of the Series: Mohammad Nawaz Shines
With 10 wickets in the tournament and another match-winning spell in the final, Nawaz earned both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honors.
I try to read the game and keep it simple,” he said. “As a finger spinner, you focus on accuracy and situation.
Sri Lanka Seek Answers Before Next Series
Skipper Dasun Shanaka admitted his side misread conditions and fell to Pakistan’s disciplined middle-overs bowling. “Right-handers getting out to left-arm spin and left-handers to offspin—we need to fine-tune things,” he noted, while highlighting the performances of Mishara, Nissanka, Mendis, Chameera, Maheesh, and Hasaranga.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 114 all out (19.1 ov) Mishara 59; Nawaz 3–17, Shaheen 3–18, Abrar 2–18 Pakistan 118/4 (18.4 ov) (Babar 37*, Saim 36; Rathnayake 2–11) Result: Pakistan won by six wickets.
