Sri Lanka enter the final with renewed energy after two successive wins that hauled them back from the brink. Their campaign was overshadowed by the controversial sacking of Charith Asalanka following his insistence on leaving Pakistan after a bomb blast in Islamabad. Under Dasun Shanaka, they initially faltered with losses to Zimbabwe and Pakistan, but their sharp turnaround has brought them to the decider in Rawalpindi.
Their confidence is buoyed by a strong defence of 184 against Pakistan in the last league game, powered by Dushmantha Chameera’s incisive spells with the new ball and at the death. The batting still seeks collective rhythm, though Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 98 and Kamil Mishara’s timely 76 have provided vital sparks. Sri Lanka will once again look to Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Shanaka to deliver against Pakistan’s probing attack.
Pakistan Bank on Home Strength and Batting Revival
Pakistan were the first to seal their place in the final after three straight wins, although they arrive at the summit clash on the back of a loss to Sri Lanka. Even so, the hosts have gained positives. Captain Salman Agha finally found runs, while Sahibzada Farhan’s twin fifties have been a welcome boost. Babar Azam and Agha have chipped in with important contributions, but Pakistan still await a big score from the rest of the order.
Saim Ayub’s inability to convert starts remains a missing piece, and the decision to push Fakhar Zaman down the order has limited his impact. All eyes will be on how Pakistan balance their top six for the final.
Bowling Units Seek Final Flourish
Pakistan’s bowling has held strong despite the absence of pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose participation in the final remains uncertain due to a foot injury. Mohammad Nawaz has been central with his control and wickets, Abrar Ahmed continues to impress, and Usman Tariq may return after a four-wicket haul earlier in the tournament. Salman Mirza has kept things tight, while Mohammad Wasim still searches for the breakthrough spell Pakistan expect from him.
Sri Lanka rely heavily on Chameera’s pace and Wanindu Hasaranga’s guile. However, Eshan Malinga, expensive at the death in their previous outing, will be eager to make amends in the final.
Clash of Momentum and Consistency
Pakistan, dominant through much of the round-robin stage, will aim to deliver a complete performance in front of home supporters. Sri Lanka, who have stormed back into contention with two stirring wins, hope their late momentum carries them over the line. With the T20 World Cup looming, both teams know the value of a confidence-boosting trophy.
The Rawalpindi surface is expected to play true, and a total approaching 200 could prove decisive despite the influence of dew.
Probable XIs: Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Pavan Ratnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga
