Rawalpindi: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka to win the final of the T20 Tri-Series at Rawalpindi, chasing down a modest target set by the visitors. Sri Lanka posted 114 runs in 19.1 overs, giving Pakistan a target of 115 to secure the championship.
Pakistan’s Batting Shines
Chasing the target, Pakistan’s innings saw contributions from multiple players. Sahibzada Farhan scored 23 runs, Saim Ayub made 36, and captain Salman Ali Agha added 14. Fakhar Zaman managed just 3 runs, while Babar Azam and Usman Khan remained unbeaten with 37 and 03 runs respectively, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable victory.
Sri Lanka struggled with the bat, with Kamil Mishara scoring 59 runs, Kosal Mendis 14, and Pathum Nissanka 11. Seven of their batsmen failed to reach double figures.
Pakistan’s Bowling Dominates
Pakistan’s bowlers restricted Sri Lanka effectively. Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets each, Abrar Ahmed claimed two, while Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza picked up one wicket apiece. Their collective effort ensured Sri Lanka could not defend the small total.
Team Changes and Captaincy Insights
Pakistan made a single change to their playing XI, bringing Shaheen Shah Afridi in place of Mohammad Wasim Jr. Captain Salman Ali Agha said the pitch was not ideal, but he expected a competitive total of around 170-180 runs and emphasized the importance of a strong start during the powerplay.
Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka said his team was prepared for the big match, predicting a competitive total of 160-170 runs. He also praised Pakistan’s security arrangements, noting the excellent management of the event.
Tri-Series Victory Boosts Pakistan
The win marks a successful conclusion to the T20 Tri-Series for Pakistan, with key performances from both batsmen and bowlers underscoring the team’s balance and depth. The triumph adds to Pakistan’s growing confidence in limited-overs cricket ahead of future international competitions.
