Babar, Nawaz, Shaheen help Pakistan win the Tri-Series title

By Alam Zeb Safi
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan lifted T20I Tri-Series title after a controlled six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
A disciplined bowling effort set up the win before Babar Azam guided the chase with an unbeaten innings. Sri Lanka, asked to bat first, managed only 114 in 19.1 overs. Apart from Kamil Mishara, who played a fighting knock of 59 off 47 balls, no other Sri Lankan batter offered real resistance. The innings collapsed from a strong 84-2 to 114 all out, losing eight wickets for just 30 runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers were outstanding. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early and returned strongly at the death, finishing with 3-18 in three overs. Mohammad Nawaz matched him with 3 for 17 in his quota of four overs, breaking Sri Lanka’s middle order with clever variations. Abrar Ahmed took 2-18 in four while Saim Ayub (1-17) added one more as Sri Lanka struggled to rebuild.
Pakistan’s chase of 115 was steady and sensible. Sahibzada Farhan scored 23 before falling at 46 for 1. Saim Ayub played confidently for his 36 off 33 balls, hitting six boundaries and keeping the run rate under control. When he departed at 75 for 2, Pakistan were in command.
Babar Azam anchored the innings with an unbeaten 37 off 34 balls laced with one six and two fours, holding the chase together even when Salman Agha and Fakhar Zaman fell in quick succession. Usman Khan ( 3 not out) partnered with Babar to complete the chase, with Pakistan reaching 118 for 4 in 18.4 overs, winning with eight balls to spare.
For Sri Lanka, only Pavan Rathnayake made an impact with the ball, taking 2-11. Hasaranga managed one wicket but lacked support from the rest of the attack.
This victory gave Pakistan the 2025–26 T20I Tri-Series title and serves as a significant boost ahead of the coming international season and particularly the T20 World Cup which will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India in February-March. Their bowlers delivered a complete performance and the batting lineup showed composure in a pressure final.
Sri Lanka’s only major positive was Kamil Mishara’s half-century, but without partnerships, their total was never enough against a confident Pakistani side. Mohammad Nawaz was declared as man of the final for taking 3-17 and also man of the series for his fine contribution as an effective all-rounder.
Final Score Summary:
Sri Lanka 114 all out in 19.1 overs (Mishara 59; Nawaz 3-17, Shaheen 3-18)
Pakistan 118 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Babar 37*, Saim 36; Rathnayake 2-11)
Pakistan won by 6 wickets and clinched the tri-series title.