Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to clinch tri-nation series

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan on Saturday clinched the Tri-Nation series against Sri Lanka by six wickets, while Pakistani pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Muhammad Nawaz played a crucial role in collapsing the Sri Lankan batting line-up as both picked three wickets apiece. ARY News reported. 

Chasing a modest target of 115, Pakistan completed the task in 18.4 overs despite a brief middle-order delay.

Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a steady base with a 46-run partnership. Farhan looked fluent during his stay before falling for 23 off 22 balls, while Saim continued to anchor the chase.

Babar Azam joined Saim and ensured Pakistan crossed the 50-run mark safely. Saim eventually departed for 36 off 33 deliveries, but by then, Pakistan had full control.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha added 14 runs before a minor wobble saw two quick wickets fall late in the innings.

However, Babar held firm till the end, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 34 balls to guide Pakistan home with over eight balls to spare.

Earlier, Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum after being put into bat. Their top order was jolted early when opener Pathum Nissanka (11) fell cheaply.

A lone resistance came through Kamil Mishara, who registered his third T20I half-century with a fluent 59, but lacked support at the other end as wickets fell regularly.

Once Mishara was dismissed, Sri Lanka’s innings fell apart dramatically. The visitors lost their final five wickets for just 10 runs, collapsing for 114 in 19.1 overs after looking set for a slightly more competitive total at one stage.

Pakistan’s bowling attack delivered with discipline and intent, led by Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz, who claimed three wickets each.

Abrar Ahmed chipped in with two crucial breakthroughs to seal the contest firmly in Pakistan’s favour.

In the final of the Tri-Nation Series, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. Sri Lanka had a shaky start, losing their first wicket for just 20 runs in the third over.

Following this, a strong second-wicket partnership of 64 runs offered a promising revival. However, a dramatic collapse of the middle and lower order ensued, resulting in Sri Lanka setting a low target of 115 runs for Pakistan.

Sri Lanka’s top scorer was Kamil Mishara, who made 59 runs. Kusal Mendis was the second-highest scorer with just 14 runs. Excluding the top three batters, no other Sri Lanka player managed to reach double digits.

The team lost eight wickets for only 16 runs.

Today Pakistan have made one change to their lineup, with Shaheen Afridi coming in for Mohammad Wasim Jr. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has retained their winning combination.

Pakistan is entering the final with strong momentum, having won five consecutive matches—three in the tri-series and two following their home series victory over South Africa.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their momentum after beating the hosts to secure a place in the final, carrying forward the confidence that brought them one step closer to the trophy.

Moreover, both the teams will observe a minute of silence before the start of the final in memory of those who lost their lives in the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The gesture comes as Sri Lanka continues to reel from extreme weather conditions that have triggered widespread destruction across several regions.

Playing XI

Pakistan:

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Eshan Malinga.