Comprehensive Performance Seals Trophy on Home Soil
Pakistan secured the T20I tri-series title with a convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Saturday’s final at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The home side delivered a dominant all-round performance, first restricting Sri Lanka to 114 before comfortably chasing down the target with eight balls to spare.
Clinical Bowling Sets Up Victory
After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan’s bowlers immediately took control of the match. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz emerged as the standout performers, each claiming three wickets to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Sri Lanka’s innings never gained momentum despite a fighting 59 from Kamil Mishara, who registered his third T20I half-century. The visitors collapsed from a promising position of 84-2 to being bowled out for 114 in their 20 overs.
- Shaheen Afridi: 3 wickets
- Mohammad Nawaz: 3 wickets
- Abrar Ahmed: 2 wickets
- Salman Mirza and Saim Ayub: 1 wicket each
Steady Chase Seals Triumph
Pakistan’s chase began confidently with openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan putting on 46 runs for the first wicket. Farhan contributed 23 runs from 22 deliveries before falling to Eshan Malinga.
Saim Ayub continued to anchor the innings with a composed 36 off 33 balls before departing with the score at 75-2. Captain Babar Azam provided the steady hand needed, remaining unbeaten on 37 from 34 deliveries to guide his team home.
Despite losing Salman Ali Agha (14) and Fakhar Zaman (3) in quick succession, Pakistan never looked in serious trouble, reaching 115-4 in 18.4 overs to claim the series trophy.
Key Performances Under Pressure
The victory showcased Pakistan’s depth in both batting and bowling departments. The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, while the bowling attack demonstrated clinical efficiency in restricting the opposition to a below-par total.
Babar Azam’s unbeaten knock ensured there were no late surprises, with the experienced batsman shepherding the innings through minor mid-innings wobbles. The win provides significant momentum for Pakistan as they continue their preparations for upcoming international commitments.
The tri-series triumph marks an important achievement for the Pakistani side, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure in crucial knockout matches on home territory.
