Rawalpindi, November 27, 2025: A sensational final over from Dushmantha Chameera powered Sri Lanka to a crucial six-run victory over Pakistan in the must-win T20I tri-series clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, securing their place in Saturday’s final against the hosts.
The win, Sri Lanka’s second of the tournament, also eliminated Zimbabwe from contention, leaving them at the bottom of the table with two points.
Defending 184, Sri Lanka held their nerve in the last over as Pakistan required just 10 runs off 6 balls. Captain Dasun Shanaka trusted Chameera with the pressure-filled final over, and the pacer delivered brilliantly, conceding only three runs and taking a wicket to seal the win.
Chameera finished with match-winning figures of 4/20 in four overs, dismantling Pakistan early and closing out the game emphatically.
Chasing 185, Pakistan posted 179/7, anchored by captain Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten half-century.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start. The opening stand of 29 between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub collapsed abruptly when Chameera dismissed Farhan in the fourth over — then removed former captain Babar Azam for a two-ball duck in the same over, reducing Pakistan to 29/2.
The hosts slipped further during the powerplay, losing Saim Ayub (27 off 18) and Fakhar Zaman to slump to 43/4.
Agha then partnered with Usman Khan to rebuild the innings, adding 56 off 41 before Hasaranga dismissed Usman for 33. Agha and Mohammad Nawaz then reignited Pakistan’s hopes with a blistering 70-run stand off 36 balls. Nawaz contributed 27 off 16 before falling to Eshan Malinga in the 19th over.
With 10 needed off the final over, Pakistan fell short as Sri Lanka held their lines.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 184/5 after being put into bat. They recovered from the early dismissal of Pathum Nissanka (8) to build a commanding total, thanks to a dominant second-wicket stand.
Mishara (76 off 48) and Kusal Mendis (40 off 23) combined for a blistering 66-run partnership off 35 balls, setting the tone for the innings. Mishara later added another 57-run stand with Janith Liyanage (24*) to push Sri Lanka towards a competitive total.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers with 2/28, while Nawaz and Salman Mirza took one wicket each.
Pakistan have already qualified for the tri-series final, but Sri Lanka needed a victory in this match to join them — and they delivered under pressure.
The final is scheduled to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, promising another high-octane contest between the two sides.
