Sri Lanka join Pakistan in the tri-series final after a tight win

By Alam Zeb Safi
RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka joined Pakistan in the final when they defeated them by six runs after a thrilling finish in the last league game of the Tri-Series at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
Kamil Mishara’s commanding half-century and Dushmantha Chameera’s incisive four-wicket burst proved decisive in a match that went down to the final over.
Needing ten to win in the final over bowled by Chameera Pakistan could score only three runs.
Pakistan had already sealed their place in the final earlier in the tournament, but Sri Lanka’s win ensured that the same two sides would meet again in the championship clash while also delivering a confidence-boosting performance ahead of the rematch.
After being sent in to bat, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka for eight in the second over but the setback did little to slow their scoring. Kamil Mishara, showing early intent, dominated the powerplay with crisp strokeplay and confident footwork against Pakistan’s seamers.
Mishara’s 76 off 48 balls, studded with six fours and three sixes, formed the backbone of Sri Lanka’s innings. He received strong support from Kusal Mendis, who kept Pakistan under pressure with a rapid 40 from 23 balls, hitting six boundaries and rotating the strike fluently.
The pair added 66 for the second wicket, taking advantage of loose bowling from Pakistan, whose seamers struggled for consistency during the middle overs.
Pakistan clawed back briefly when Abrar Ahmed picked up two wickets, including the crucial one of Mendis, and kept the scoring rate in check. His 2 for 28 stood out during a phase when Sri Lanka were forced to rebuild.
Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 24 off 24 balls held the innings together, and with Dasun Shanaka striking a quick 17 off 10 deliveries, Sri Lanka pushed the total to 184 for five — a score that looked competitive on a surface offering true bounce but aiding spinners.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Dushmantha Chameera served up a high-quality spell with the new ball, removing Sahibzada Farhan for nine before trapping Babar Azam lbw for a two-ball duck. When he later added the wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf, Pakistan had been reduced to 43 for four, teetering on the brink of collapse.
Chameera finished with exceptional figures of 4 for 20, the best performance by any bowler in the match and a decisive factor in Sri Lanka’s qualification.
Despite the early setbacks, Pakistan staged a spirited fightback led by captain Agha Salman. Displaying a blend of composure and clean hitting, Agha compiled an unbeaten 63 from 44 deliveries with four fours and three sixes.
He revived the innings alongside Usman Khan (33 off 23), adding 50 for the fifth wicket and effectively resetting Pakistan’s chase. Even after Usman fell to Wanindu Hasaranga, Pakistan found further momentum through Mohammad Nawaz.
Nawaz smashed 27 off 16 balls, targeting Malinga and Hasaranga to bring the equation into manageable territory. His explosive hitting, combined with Agha’s controlled aggression, lit up the stadium and revived hopes of a late Pakistan victory.
With Pakistan needing 16 off the final over, Sri Lanka turned to Eshan Malinga. Despite conceding boundaries earlier in his spell, he showed composure under pressure, allowing only eight runs in the final six balls.
Nawaz’s wicket in the 19th over had already shifted the momentum, and Faheem Ashraf’s dismissal — confirmed by a review — further dented Pakistan’s chances. The tail could not muster the finishing blows, leaving Pakistan six runs short and Sri Lanka celebrating a hard-earned qualification.
With this victory, Sri Lanka joined Pakistan in the final to be held at the same venue on Saturday. For the visitors, the win also served as a valuable confidence boost, not only for their batting depth but particularly for their bowling under pressure.
Pakistan, though already through, will look to reassess their powerplay batting and middle-overs discipline ahead of the final showdown.
Summary Scorecard
Sri Lanka 184-5 (20 overs)
Kamil Mishara 76 (48), Kusal Mendis 40 (23), Janith Liyanage 24* (24), Dasun Shanaka 17 (10)
Abrar Ahmed 2-28, Salman Mirza 1-29
Pakistan 178-7 (20 overs)
Agha Salman 63* (44), Usman Khan 33 (23), Mohammad Nawaz 27 (16), Saim Ayub 27 (18)
Dushmantha Chameera 4-20, Eshan Malinga 2-54, Wanindu Hasaranga 1-27
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 runs and joined Pakistan in the Tri-Series final