In a gripping showdown at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka secured their spot in the tri-series final with a narrow six-run triumph over Pakistan on Thursday night.
With 184 runs on the board, Sri Lanka called upon Dushmantha Chameera to defend only 10 runs in the last over while Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha was set at 63*. Demonstrating pinpoint precision, Chameera delivered a series of flawless yorkers, claiming Faheem Ashraf's wicket and quashing any late-game hopes for Pakistan, who ended their innings at 178 for 7.
Sri Lanka struck early, reducing Pakistan to a dismal 43 for 4 after Chameera took two quick wickets, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam in succession. Young pacer Eshan Malinga joined the fray, sending Saim Ayub's stumps flying, leaving the home side in distress.
Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan collaborated on a pivotal 56-run partnership that gave Pakistan a fighting chance. Usman scored a brisk 33, and Mohammad Nawaz added an explosive 27 runs from 16 balls, contributing to a solid recovery that saw them put up 70 runs for the sixth wicket. However, with the scoreboard reading 22 needed off 12 balls, the tension rose.
Chameera's exceptional bowling earned him figures of 4 for 20, and he dismissed Faheem, ensuring Wasim could only defend the final ball.
Sri Lanka's innings was propelled by a brilliant knock from Kamil Mishara, who scored 76 off 48 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. Following Pathum Nissanka's early exit, his partnership with Kusal Mendis was instrumental, combining for a solid 66 runs that placed pressure back on Pakistan.
Despite Mendis's departure to Abrar Ahmed, Sri Lanka maintained their aggressive pace. Contributions from Janith Liyanage (24*) and Dasun Shanaka (17) helped elevate their total to 184 for 5. Abrar Ahmed's bowling performance (2 for 28) stood out among his teammates, who struggled on a pitch favoring batsmen.
Pakistan's start was promising, but early wickets again plagued their chase, putting undue pressure on the middle order. Salman's unbeaten innings, filled with classy strokes, kept the match engaging till the end, but Sri Lanka's strategic execution in the final overs ultimately led them to victory.
This hard-earned win propels Sri Lanka into the final on Saturday, showcasing their momentum and a confident bowling lineup.
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