Rawalpindi: Sri lanka advanced to the final of the T20 tri-series on Thursday after defeating Pakistan a high-stakes match that determined the second finalist. Pakistan had won the toss and opted to field.
Sri Lanka Post 184 After Strong Top-Order Performance
Batting first, Sri Lanka compiled 184 for five in their 20 overs. Kamil Mishara anchored the innings with an impressive 76, while Kusal Mendis added 40. Dasun Shanaka contributed a steady 17 not out as Sri Lanka attempted to set a challenging total.
Pakistan’s bowlers produced a mixed performance. Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets, while Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Saim Ayub picked up one apiece.
Pakistan Falter Early But Recover Through Agha’s Standout Knock
Pakistan’s chase began shakily. Sahibzada Farhan departed early for eight, and Babar Azam fell for a duck, putting pressure on the middle order. The side regained control as wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan added 33, followed by contributions of 27 each from Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz.
However, the decisive innings came from captain Salman Ali Agha, who still was unable to guide Pakistan to victory with an unbeaten 63.
Sri Lankan Attack Makes Inroads
Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera struck four times to trouble Pakistan’s top order, while Eshan Malinga took two wickets while Wanindu Hasaranga took one wicket. Their efforts were enough to prevent Pakistan from completing the chase.
With this result, Pakistan move directly into the final, while Sri Lanka also reaches the final to face Pakistan.
Read more: Pakistan, Sri Lanka to face off today in tri-nation series
