Sri Lanka secured a dramatic six-run victory over Pakistan in the T20I tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The win eliminates Zimbabwe from contention and sets up a Pakistan-Sri Lanka final this Saturday.
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 184-4 in their 20 overs. Opener Kamil Mishara anchored the innings with a commanding 76 runs from 48 deliveries, featuring six fours and three sixes.
Kusal Mendis provided strong support with a rapid 40 from 23 balls, while Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten on 24. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed contained the scoring effectively, taking two wickets for just 28 runs.
Sri Lanka’s victory was built on Dushmantha Chameera’s exceptional bowling performance. The right-arm pacer dismantled Pakistan’s top order, finishing with remarkable figures of 4 wickets for just 3 runs in his four overs.
Sri Lanka win a thriller in Rawalpindi by 6 runs, despite a fighting effort from @SalmanAliAgha1 💥
Pakistan are now set to meet Sri Lanka in the tri-series final on Saturday 🗓️#CricketKiJeet | #PAKvSL | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/oo1UDRznTg
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 27, 2025
Chameera removed key batsmen Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, and Fakhar Zaman early, reducing Pakistan to 43-4 within the first six overs. Eshan Malinga supported well with two wickets despite conceding 54 runs.
Despite the early collapse, Pakistan mounted a strong comeback through middle-order partnerships. Salman Ali Agha scored a determined half-century while building crucial stands with Usman Khan (56 runs) and Mohammad Nawaz (70 runs).
The match reached a tense climax with Pakistan needing 10 runs from the final over. Chameera returned to bowl under pressure, conceding only three runs and taking another wicket to secure the victory.
Pakistan finished at 178-7, with Salman Ali Agha remaining not out on 52. The two teams will meet again in the series final on November 29 at the same venue.