In a dramatic turnaround at Rawalpindi, Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling six-run victory against Pakistan to advance to the T20 tri-series final on Thursday. The match culminated in an intense final over where fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera demonstrated exceptional skill, conceding merely three runs when Pakistan required ten for victory.
Chameera’s remarkable figures of 4-20 proved decisive, dismantling Pakistan’s top order early in the powerplay and returning to seal the game under pressure. His brilliant execution included dismissing key batsmen Sahibzada Farhan and captain Babar Azam for a two-ball duck, leaving Pakistan reeling at 43-4 within the first six overs.
Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by opener Kamil Mishra’s commanding 76 runs off 48 deliveries, providing a competitive total of 184-5. Supported by Kusal Mendis’ aggressive 40-run contribution, the Lankan batting lineup established a foundation that ultimately proved defensible despite dew conditions in the latter stages.
Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha fought valiantly with a career-best unbeaten 63, forming crucial partnerships with Usman Khan (33) and Mohammad Nawaz (27). Their 70-run stand in the death overs nearly turned the tide, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained composure when it mattered most.
Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka praised his team’s resilience, stating: ‘Proud of how the boys bounced back. Everybody contributed. Of course Chameera exhibited world-class bowling.’
The victory eliminates Zimbabwe from contention and sets up a final showdown between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Saturday, with both teams demonstrating competitive form ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.