Pakistan’s spin trio orchestrated a dramatic collapse of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, securing a comprehensive six-wicket victory in the T20 tri-series final on Saturday in Rawalpindi. After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha watched his bowlers dismantle the visitors, who lost eight wickets for a mere 16 runs before being bowled out for 114 in 19.1 overs.
The spin partnership of Mohammad Nawaz (3-17), Abrar Ahmed (2-18), and part-time spinner Saim Ayub (1-17) proved devastating despite Sri Lanka’s promising start at 81-1 at the halfway mark. Left-handed opener Kamil Mishara provided the lone resistance with a 47-ball 59, showcasing his potential for next year’s T20 World Cup with a 64-run partnership with Kusal Mendis (14).
Pakistan’s chase was clinical, reaching 118-4 with eight balls to spare. Openers Saim Ayub (36) and Sahibzada Farhan (23) established a solid 46-run foundation before captain Babar Azam sealed the victory with an unbeaten 37 off 34 balls. Azam also excelled in the field, taking two spectacular catches that turned the match’s momentum.
Sri Lanka, who entered the final with consecutive wins over Zimbabwe and Pakistan, completely unraveled against quality spin bowling, managing just one six during the 12 overs of slow bowling. The collapse began when Azam took a spectacular overhead catch at long-off to dismiss Mendis in the 11th over, triggering a catastrophic batting failure.
Nawaz finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps, while Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed with 3-18 in his return spell to clean up the tail. Despite late wickets from Pavan Rathnayake (2-11), Pakistan’s victory was never in serious doubt as Azam guided his team to the target with ease.