Pakistan emerged victorious in the T20I tri-series final at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets to claim the trophy.
This marks Pakistan’s second tri-series triumph in three months, following their win against Afghanistan in the tri-series final in August, and their 21st T20I victory in 34 matches this year, the most they have achieved in a calendar year.
Chasing a modest target of 115, Pakistan began cautiously on a tricky pitch.
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Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub built a solid 46-run partnership in 7.3 overs.
Farhan contributed 23 runs off 22 balls, including two fours and a six, before being bowled by Eshan Malinga.
Saim Ayub continued the chase, scoring 36 off 33 balls, but was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga in the 12th over, leaving Pakistan at 75-2.
Captain Salman Ali Agha joined Babar Azam, and the duo added 23 runs before Agha was caught by Shanaka off Pavan Rathnayake for 14.
Rathnayake struck again, sending back Fakhar Zaman for three, reducing Pakistan to 104-4.
READ: Dushmantha Chameera’s heroics help Sri Lanka book tri-series final spot
Babar Azam anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 34 balls with two fours and a six, while Usman Khan contributed an unbeaten 3 to guide Pakistan past the finish line in the 18.4 over.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated with a stunning display to restrict Sri Lanka to 114 all out in 19.1 overs.
Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz led the attack with 3 wickets each, Abrar Ahmed took 2, while Salman Mirza and Saim Ayub chipped in with one wicket each.
Sri Lanka’s innings was a tale of two halves: they reached 81-1 in the first 10 overs, but lost their last 9 wickets for just 33 runs.
Kamil Mishara was Sri Lanka’s top-scorer, making 59 off 47 balls.
READ: Tri-Nation T20I Series: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe Squads, Schedule & Where to Watch
Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi then triggered a spectacular collapse, dismantling Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order.
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Pakistan clinch tri-series victory
Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s 115, winning the tri-series final by 6 wickets in 18.4 overs. Babar Azam starred with 37 off 34 balls, while Usman Khan contributed 3 runs as the team sealed a comfortable victory.
9:22 pm -
Salman Ali Agha departs
Pakistan lost their third wicket at 98, Salman Agha (14 off 14) pulled a short ball straight to Dasun Shanaka at cover, giving Pawan Rathnayake his first international wicket. Fakhar Zaman walked in with 17 runs needed.
9:07 pm -
Pakistan edge closer to victory
Pakistan reached 97-2 after 15 overs, needing only 18 off 30 balls. Babar Azam (22 off 23) and Salman Agha (14 off 12) kept the chase steady and firmly in Pakistan’s control.
9:00 pm -
Saim Ayub departs
Saim Ayub fell for 36 off 33 balls after a delivery from Wanindu Hasaranga stayed unexpectedly low, trapping him lbw and leaving Pakistan at 75-2 in 11.3 overs, still needing 40 runs from 51 balls.
8:47 pm -
Pakistan on track
Pakistan reached 71-1 after 10 overs, with Babar Azam and Saim Ayub guiding the chase comfortably as only 44 runs are needed from the remaining 60 balls.
8:37 pm -
Sahibzada Farhan departs
Pakistan lost their first wicket at 46 when Sahibzada Farhan was bowled by Eshan Malinga for 23 off 22. A sharp inswinger beat his swing and hit the off stump, ending the opening stand and bringing Babar Azam to the crease.
8:29 pm -
Pakistan make steady start in chase
Pakistan started confidently in the powerplay, reaching 31 without loss in the first five overs.
Sahibzada Farhan remained unbeaten on 11, while Saim Ayub scored 20.
8:14 pm -
Pakistan bowled out Sri Lanka for 114
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated as Sri Lanka were all out for 114 in 19.1 overs, with Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz taking 3 wickets each.
7:47 pm -
Shaheen Afridi clean-bowled Dasun Shanaka
Fakhar Zaman passionately appealed to the umpire after Shaheen Afridi clean-bowled Dasun Shanaka, moments after the third umpire had overturned Shanaka’s earlier dismissal.
7:40 pm -
Pakistan bowlers dominate Sri Lanka
Pakistan bowlers dominate as Sri Lanka struggle at 107-6 in 17 overs, with Nawaz and Abrar picking key wickets.
7:26 pm -
Kamil Mishara departs
Kamil Mishara departs for 59, courtesy of a brilliant catch from Babar Azam.
7:12 pm -
Nawaz strikes
Nawaz strikes as Kusal Mendis departs on 14.
7:02 pm -
Sri Lanka 81-1 at the halfway stage
Kamil Mishara continues his fine knock as Sri Lanka build a strong foundation. Sri Lanka are 81-1 at the halfway stage of the powerplay, led by Mishara’s 48.
6:55 pm -
Abrar Ahmed drops Mendis
Abrar Ahmed misses a tough chance off Kusal Mendis.
6:42 pm -
Sri Lanka off to a strong start in the powerplay
Kamil Mishara leads the charge with aggressive strokeplay, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Sri Lanka reach 56-1 in six overs, building a solid platform with early momentum.
6:35 pm -
Shaheen Afridi strikes early
Shaheen Afridi strikes with a perfect slower delivery to give Pakistan the first breakthrough. The Sri Lankan opener’s start comes to an end as he is bowled for 11, leaving his team 20-1.
6:18 pm -
National Anthem
Pakistan players honor the national anthem before the tri-series final against Sri Lanka.
6:03 pm -
Pakistan and Sri Lanka pay tribute
Pakistan and Sri Lanka players pay tribute to the victims who died in Sri Lanka’s severe weather conditions.
5:58 pm -
Playing XI
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, 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, Eshan Malinga
5:40 pm -
Toss Update
Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first.
5:30 pm -
A minute of silence
Pakistan and Sri Lanka teams will hold a minute of silence before the final, paying tribute to the lives lost in floods.
4:55 pm -
Salman Ali Agha and Dasun Shanaka pose with the trophy
Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka pose with the tri-series trophy ahead of Saturday’s final.
9:00 pm -
Head to Head in T20Is
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have met in 26 T20Is, with Pakistan winning 15 and Sri Lanka 11.
7:25 pm -
Welcome to live coverage
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the T20I tri-nation series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi.
The Green Shirts had already secured their place in the final after defeating Zimbabwe twice and winning their first match against Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka qualified for the final after edging past Pakistan by six runs on Thursday.
7:20 pm
