When Sri Lanka chased down a high-pressure target and then held their nerve in the final over, they didn’t just win a match — they ended Pakistan’s hopes in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025-26Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The 6-run victory on Thursday, November 27, 2025, wasn’t just about runs and wickets. It was about pressure, timing, and one of the most dramatic death-over performances in recent T20 history.
A Game That Swung on a Single Over
Sri Lanka posted 184/5 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to Kamil Mishara, who smashed 76 off just 48 balls — his fastest fifty of the series, laced with sixes and audacious sweeps. Kusal Mendis added a blistering 40 off 23, turning the middle overs into a launchpad. Pakistan, having won the toss and chosen to bowl, looked in control early — until Mishara took over.
Pakistan’s reply began with disaster. Powerplay collapse: 45/4 in six overs. Sahibzada Farhan was caught for 9, Saim Ayub bowled for 27, and Babar Azam — the talisman — was lbw for a duck off the second ball. At 70/4 in the 9.6th over, Pakistan’s chances were flickering. Enter Salman Ali Agha. The captain, often criticized for his inconsistent form, delivered his most vital innings: 63 off 44 balls, with four fours and two sixes. His partnership with Usman Khan (27 off 21) steadied the ship. By 17.1 overs, Pakistan were at 150 — still needing 35 off 18 balls, but suddenly alive.
Chameera’s Masterclass at the Death
Then came the 20th over. Seven runs needed. One wicket in hand. Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka’s death bowler, stepped in. The crowd held its breath. Chameera didn’t just bowl well — he engineered a collapse. He dismissed Mohammad Wasim for a duck on the first ball. Then he trapped Abrar Ahmed lbw with a cutter that kept low. The third ball was a slower ball, tucked to midwicket. Two runs. Fourth ball — dot. Fifth ball — another dot. The sixth? A wide. Pakistan needed two off the final ball. Agha, still on 63, swung hard. He got the bottom edge. The keeper held it. Game over.
Chameera’s figures: 4-0-20-4. The best bowling spell of the tournament. His final over was the difference between triumph and heartbreak.
Who’s Left Standing?
With Pakistan eliminated, Zimbabwe — who had lost their previous match to Sri Lanka — now advanced to the final by default. The tournament structure was clear: if Sri Lanka won, they went through. If they lost, Zimbabwe did. They didn’t lose. And so, Saturday’s final — November 29, 2025 — will be Sri Lanka versus Zimbabwe at the same venue.
Commentator Rvel Zahid captured the mood: "A nail-biting affair that gave fans plenty to rejoice about and those in the stands their money’s worth. The game ebbed and flowed but Sri Lanka prevailed, and it’s all beautifully set up for the final. Sri Lanka have the feel-good factor and Pakistan have been consistent as well this series. Both teams will field their best XIs and it should be a cracker on Saturday. A superb knock from Mishara, Salman and brilliant death bowling from Chameera were the standout performances."
Why This Matters Beyond the Final
This wasn’t just a knockout game — it was a statement. Sri Lanka, often seen as a team in transition, showed they can win under pressure. Their middle order, once a liability, now looks dangerous. Mishara’s innings was the kind that turns young players into stars. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s batting frailties — especially at the top — remain unresolved. Babar Azam’s duck, Agha’s lone heroics, and the collapse under pressure suggest deeper issues than one bad day.
For Zimbabwe, this is their first final in a T20I tri-series since 2019. They’ve been the quiet team in this tournament — but now they’re playing for more than pride. They’ve got nothing to lose. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, carry momentum, confidence, and the weight of expectation.
What’s Next?
The final on Saturday, November 29, 2025, will be the culmination of a series that delivered more drama than expected. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack — led by Chameera and Eshan Malinga (2/54) — will face a Zimbabwe side that’s quietly improved their fielding and lower-order hitting. Pakistan’s players, meanwhile, will head home with questions about their top-order discipline and death-bowling consistency. The umpiring, led by Ahsan Raza, faced scrutiny after three DRS reviews, one of which overturned a run — a moment that sparked frustration but also reinforced the rules.
One thing’s certain: cricket fans got their money’s worth. And the final? It’s going to be unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sri Lanka’s batting lineup overcome Pakistan’s early wickets?
Sri Lanka’s middle order, led by Kamil Mishara’s explosive 76 off 48 balls and Kusal Mendis’s 40 off 23, turned the tide after early wickets. They capitalized on Pakistan’s over-reliance on spin early, targeting the field restrictions and accelerating between overs 7 and 15. Their strike rate of 9.2 runs per over in the final 10 overs proved decisive.
Why was Salman Ali Agha’s innings considered heroic despite Pakistan losing?
Agha’s 63 off 44 balls was Pakistan’s only substantial contribution in a collapse-filled innings. He carried the team from 70/4 to 150/6, keeping them alive with calm striking and smart running. His partnership with Usman Khan and later Mohammad Nawaz was the only reason Pakistan even reached the final over. Without him, they’d have lost by 50+ runs.
What role did Dushmantha Chameera play in sealing the win?
Chameera took 4 wickets for just 20 runs in 4 overs, including the final over where he bowled under immense pressure. His final over — 1 dot, 1 wide, 2 legal deliveries resulting in wickets — was textbook death bowling. He exploited Pakistan’s eagerness to hit out, using pace variation and low bounce to trap batters.
Why did Zimbabwe qualify for the final despite losing their previous match?
The tournament format was a round-robin with the top two teams advancing. Sri Lanka’s win over Pakistan meant they finished first, while Zimbabwe — who had beaten Pakistan earlier — finished second. If Sri Lanka had lost, Zimbabwe would’ve still qualified because they had a better net run rate than Pakistan. Pakistan’s loss eliminated them outright.
What were the key turning points in the match?
Three moments decided it: Babar Azam’s duck in the powerplay, which derailed Pakistan’s momentum; Mishara’s 50 in 32 balls, which shifted the target beyond reach; and Chameera’s final over, which crushed Pakistan’s last hope. The DRS overturn at 19.4, which denied Pakistan a run, also psychologically impacted their final ball.
Is this a sign of Sri Lanka’s resurgence in T20 cricket?
Absolutely. After inconsistent performances since 2022, this win shows Sri Lanka can build a winning team around explosive batting and lethal death bowling. Mishara, Mendis, and Chameera are emerging as core players. If they maintain this form, they’re serious contenders in the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers.
