This T20 Tri-series 2025 showdown has cricket fans buzzing, as Pakistan had already qualified for the final, while Zimbabwe bowed out. The match showcased Sri Lanka's T20 dominance and Pakistan's resilience, making it a must-watch highlight in the ongoing tournament.
Sri Lanka's Power-Packed Batting Sets Up 184/5 Total
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka T20 team laid a solid foundation despite a cautious start. Openers struggled early, with Pathum Nissanka dismissed for a duck-like 8 at 16/1. However, Kusal Mendis (40) and Kusal Mendis (76 off 48 balls) ignited the innings, accelerating through the powerplay.
- Powerplay fireworks: 58/1 in the first six overs, blending aggression with caution.
- Mishara's masterclass: The 76-run knock included boundaries galore, propelling Sri Lanka to a commanding position.
- Lower-order boosts: Quick cameos from the tail-enders pushed the score to 184/5 in 20 overs, testing Pakistan's T20 chase strategy.
This total echoed Sri Lanka's T20 batting strength, reminiscent of their recent tri-series exploits, setting the stage for a high-voltage run chase.
Chameera's Early Wicket Haul Rattles Pakistan's Top Order
Pakistan's reply began disastrously, thanks to Dushmantha Chameera's T20 bowling masterclass. The Sri Lankan speedster struck gold in his opening spell, claiming three quick wickets:
- Sahibzada Farhan (9) – Caught behind in the first over.
- Babar Azam (0) – Bowled through the gate.
- Fakhar Zaman (1) – Edged to slips.
Slumping to 43/4, Pakistan's batting lineup was under severe pressure. This Pakistan T20 collapse highlighted vulnerabilities against express pace, a recurring theme in their Rawalpindi T20 matches.
Salman Agha's Heroic 63-Run Stand Falls Short in Tense Chase
Enter captain Salman Agha, whose gritty unbeaten 63 became the talk of the T20 Tri-series. In a do-or-die scenario, Agha forged crucial partnerships:
- 56-run stand with Usman Khan to steady the ship.
- 70-run alliance with Mohammad Nawaz (27), keeping the required rate in check.
Despite the fightback, the asking rate climbed relentlessly. Agha's innings – a mix of calculated risks and solid defense – embodied Pakistan's T20 spirit, but it wasn't enough to breach the target.
The Last-Over Drama: 10 Needed, Only 3 Scored
The match's climax unfolded in the final over, with 10 runs off 6 balls the equation. Agha faced Chameera, but the pacer delivered under pressure:
- First three balls: Just 3 singles leaked.
- Last three: Pinpoint yorkers, including the wicket of Agha Ashraf, sealing the deal.
Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling 6-run win, with Chameera's 3/XX figures earning him Player of the Match honors. This last-over thriller in T20 cricket will be dissected by fans and analysts alike.
Implications for T20 Tri-Series Final
With this victory, Sri Lanka secures T20 Tri-series final spot against a waiting Pakistan. Zimbabwe's elimination paves the way for an Indo-Asian showdown, promising fireworks in the decider. Pakistan's loss underscores the fine margins in T20 format, where heroes like Agha and Chameera define legacies.
