Pakistan delivered a brilliant all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets and lift the Tri-Nation T20 Series trophy at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The final turned into a low-scoring but close contest, largely shaped by a dramatic Sri Lankan collapse in the middle overs. After reaching a strong position at 81/2, Sri Lanka lost nine wickets for just 33 runs, which cost them.
Pakistan won the toss and Opted to bowl first,Sri Lanka began positively even after losing opener Pathum Nissanka early for 11, dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi with nipping back in delivery. Kamil Mishara played with flair and confidence Partnering with Kusal Mendis put together 64 runs stand for second wicket, Mendis manged only 14 runs off 18 deliveries,Mishara clean hitting and strike rotation kept the scoreboard moving, and Sri Lanka found themselves at 81/1 after 10 overs, looking set for a competitive total .
Mishara continued to lead the innings, bringing up a well-crafted half-century. His knock of 59 off 47 balls, including two boundaries and 4 sixes.The turning point came when saim Ayub dismissed Mishara , caught smartly by Babar Azam , from their Sri Lanka innings crumbled out.
Pakistan spin duo, Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed, completely suffocated the middle order Nawaz, was exceptional figures of 3/17 from his four overs. Abrar supported brilliantly with 2/18, tightening the noose around the Sri Lankan batters.
Trying to accelerate on a pitch offering sharp turn led to poor shot selection and misjudgment from the Sri Lankan middle order. Captain Dasun Shanaka managed only 2, and no partnership stabilized the innings after the 10th over.
The tail collapsed quickly against pace of Shaheen Afridi, who cleaned up the lower order with a fiery spell. He finished with 3/18 in his three overs, ensuring Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 114 in 19.1 overs
Chasing 115, Pakistan got steady Start , Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put together 46 runs stand for the first wicket and set ton for the team, Sahibzada Farhan managed 23 runs off 22 balls and dismissed Eshan Malinga, and Babar Azam come to the crease who showcased his experience by holding one end steady. He played the anchor role to perfection, guiding the chase with an unbeaten 37 runs off 34 balls included 2 fours and one six. He was well-supported by Saim Ayub played composed knock of 36 off 33 balls featuring 6 boundaries, and dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga on cracking sharp delivery.
Despite losing a couple of quick wickets , the required run rate was never a concern, and Babar Azam ensured there were no further scares. He struck the winning boundary, the team past the finish line at 118/4 in 18.4 overs
For Sri Lanka Pawan Rathnayake was picked up the bowler who gets 2/11 in 2 overs while Wanindu Hasaranga and Eshan Malinga chipped with one wicket each.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match summary Match
Toss : Pakistan won the toss and Opted to bowl first
Sri Lanka innings : 114/10 in 20 overs
Top scorer : Kamil Mishara 57 runs off 47 deliveries , Kusal Mendis 14 runs off 18 balls
Top Bowler : Mohammad Nawaz 3/17 in 4 overs, Shaheen Afridi 3/18 in 3 overs
Pakistan innings : 118/4 in 18.4 overs
Top scorer : Babar Azam 37* off 34 deliveries, Saim Ayub 36 runs off 33 balls
Top Bowler : Pawan Rathnayake 2/11 in 2 overs, Eshan Malinga 1/16 in 3 overs
Result : Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Player of the match : Mohammad Nawaz 3/17 in 4 overs ,
Player of the series : Mohammad Nawaz 10 wickets in 5 matches and 4 innings 52 runs in 5 matches
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