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Pakistan produced a commanding and composed performance to defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the tri-nation series final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The match displayed Pakistan’s depth, discipline, and ability to handle pressure, combining a remarkable bowling display with a calm and clinical chase led by Saim Ayub and Babar Azam.
Chasing a modest target of 115, Pakistan controlled the innings from start to finish. The foundation of the chase was laid by young opener Saim Ayub, who played a mature knock of 36 runs off 33 balls. Blending patience with timely aggression, Saim kept the scoreboard moving and ensured Pakistan never fell behind the required run rate.
Standing at the other end was Babar Azam, the team’s most reliable anchor. His unbeaten 37 off 34 balls demonstrated his trademark elegance and composure. The former captain guided Pakistan over the line with a beautifully timed cut shot for four off Dushmantha Chameera—an authoritative finish to a confidently executed run chase. Pakistan wrapped up the match in 18.4 overs, securing both the victory and the tournament title.
Nawaz Shines with Player of the Match & Player of the Series
Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz was the standout performer of not just the final, but the entire series. His figures of 3 for 17 were instrumental in triggering Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse at a time when they seemed set for a potentially competitive total.
After receiving both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, Nawaz highlighted the importance of playing according to team needs.
“To deliver when the team requires you is very important,” he said during the post-match presentation. “As a finger spinner, you don’t have too many variations, so I plan with the coaches, stay simple, and try to read the game.”
He also spoke about adapting with the bat: “I try to understand what the situation demands—sometimes it’s about building a partnership, other times it’s about attacking. I try to adjust accordingly.”
His all-round awareness has made him one of Pakistan’s most valuable assets throughout the tournament.
Sri Lanka’s Fast Start Ends in Dramatic Collapse
Sri Lanka, after being sent in to bat, began their innings with strong intent. By the halfway stage, they were cruising at 81 for 1, looking well on track for a total around 150–160. Pathum Nissanka and his partners showed confidence against Pakistan’s pacers early on, taking advantage of the powerplay and rotating the strike efficiently.
However, their promising start quickly turned into a complete collapse once Pakistan introduced their spin attack.
Mohammad Nawaz was the first to strike, breaking Sri Lanka’s rhythm and applying pressure. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed soon joined the act, using his variations to trouble the batters and finishing with an economical and effective 2 for 18. Even Saim Ayub contributed with the ball, delivering a disciplined spell that further derailed Sri Lanka’s momentum.
Once the spinners tightened the grip, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi took over to clean up the lower order. In a fiery three-over burst, Shaheen picked up 3 for 18, including some trademark inswingers that proved too good for the tail-enders.
Sri Lanka went from 81 for 1 to 114 all out in a devastating collapse, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs. Their innings ended in the 20th over when Salman Mirza bowled Dushmantha Chameera, marking a disappointing finish to what had begun as a highly promising innings.
A Confident and Composed Chase by Pakistan
Pakistan’s chase was never threatened. Sahibzada Farhan provided a steady start before falling early, but the partnership between Saim Ayub and Babar Azam ensured Pakistan remained in control. Saim’s calculated batting set the tone, while Babar’s experience guided the innings through the middle overs.
Fakhar Zaman and captain Salman Agha also contributed briefly but effectively, ensuring the run rate remained stable even when Sri Lanka attempted to build pressure through their spinners.
The pitch offered assistance to slower bowlers, yet Pakistan’s batting unit showed maturity in their approach—rotating the strike and putting away boundary opportunities without taking unnecessary risks. Their confident chase reflected a team comfortable in high-stakes matches.
A Strong Message from Pakistan
This victory highlighted Pakistan’s balanced squad, rising young talent, and reliable senior players. The dominance of the bowlers, combined with the composure of top-order batters, showcased a team capable of adapting to different match situations.
With this win, Pakistan completed the tri-nation series on a strong note and sent a clear message that they remain a formidable unit in limited-overs cricket.
