Pakistan wrapped up the tri-series in commanding fashion, overwhelming Sri Lanka with a clinical bowling display and a calm chase that sealed victory with eight balls to spare. What began as a promising Sri Lankan innings at 81 for 1 unraveled rapidly, as Pakistan’s spinners stormed through the middle and lower order to restrict the visitors to 114. In reply, Pakistan’s top order provided measured stability, allowing their captain to guide them home without panic or risks.
In a match that showcased Pakistan’s growing confidence ahead of next year’s global tournament, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, the tone was set early by opening batters Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan. In a chase that required patience rather than aggression, their 46-run partnership provided Pakistan with the necessary base. Ayub played with intent in the powerplay, punishing Maheesh Theekshana with three boundaries in one over, while Farhan struck Wanindu Hasaranga for a six and a four to keep the required rate firmly under control.
When Pakistan lost two quick wickets, Salman Ali Agha and Fakhar Zaman, in back-to-back overs, the situation could have tightened. But Babar Azam, unbeaten on 37 out of 34 balls, held the chase together. It was the kind of inning that doesn’t leap off a scorecard but matters in a low-scoring final. On a night when he excelled in the field as well, Babar’s all-round influence was significant. He finished the game with a guided boundary off Dushmantha Chameera, sealing the win in the 19th over.
Sri Lanka’s collapse was as dramatic as Pakistan’s control was steady. The visitors were cruising at 81 for 1 after ten overs, with Kamil Mishara anchoring the innings. Mishara, who struck a composed 59 off 47 balls, looked set to push Sri Lanka toward a competitive total. With back-to-back half-centuries in the series, he was one of the few bright spots for the team and strengthened his case for next year’s T20 World Cup squad.
But everything changed when Mohammad Nawaz entered the attack with his dismissal of Kusal Mendis. His dismissal of Kusal Mendis, thanks to the superbly judged catch by Babar at long-on, opened the gates. Sri Lanka’s innings unraveled stunningly, losing 9 wickets for just 30 runs.
The slide became almost surreal, with seven consecutive Sri Lankan partnerships being worth six runs or fewer. Even when the quick bowlers returned, the momentum continued Pakistan’s way. Shaheen Shah Afridi cleaned up the tail with 3 for 18, reinforcing his return to form and rhythm as the team charts its path toward major tournaments.
For Sri Lanka, the disappointment was acute. Captain Dasun Shanaka admitted the surface behaved differently than expected but credited Pakistan’s spinners for applying pressure that his batters couldn’t break. Sri Lanka’s strong run into the final—with recent wins over Zimbabwe and Pakistan—evaporated under the sustained control of the hosts’ attack.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, meanwhile, praised the clarity within his squad. With six matches left before the World Cup, he suggested the team was largely settled, noting they were “pretty much clear on our 15 players.” Performances like this final one, shaped by controlled aggression, sharp fielding, and intelligent bowling changes, justified that confidence.
