Rawalpindi, November 29, 2025 – Pakistan capped a dominant tri-series campaign with a comprehensive 6-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the T20I final at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz’s three-wicket hauls triggered a Sri Lankan collapse from 84/1 to 114 all out, before Babar Azam’s unbeaten 37 guided the hosts to a comfortable chase in just 12.3 overs.

This win marks Pakistan’s 21st T20I victory in 2025 – their most in a calendar year – and avenges their narrow 6-run league-stage loss to Sri Lanka. The final showcased Pakistan’s superior adaptation to conditions, disciplined bowling, and clear batting intent.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse: From 84/1 to 114 All Out

Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Sri Lanka started strongly. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara added 84 in 11 overs, with Mishara’s aggressive 76 off 48 looking set for 180+. But then came the collapse – 8 wickets for 16 runs!

Mohammad Nawaz (3/26) was the wrecker-in-chief, dismissing Mendis and Mishara with clever variations. Shaheen Afridi (3/19) cleaned up the tail with express pace, while Saim Ayub (1/10) and Abrar Ahmed (2/22) choked the middle order.

• Powerplay: SL 58/1 – Solid start
• Middle Overs: 26/8 – Bewildering collapse
• Lowest Total: SL’s 114 – below par on a 150 pitch

Pakistan’s Clinical Chase: Babar Anchors Easy Win

Chasing 115, Pakistan lost early wickets but Babar Azam (37* off 28) steadied with calm authority. Sahibzada Farhan’s 23 and Saim Ayub’s 36 provided momentum, while Fakhar Zaman’s quick 15 sealed it with a boundary.

• Required Rate: Under 6 – Comfortable cruise
• Partnerships: Babar-Farhan 45-run stand key
• SL Bowling: Spinners leaked 52 in 12 overs

Key Performers: Shaheen, Nawaz & Babar Shine

• Shaheen Afridi (3/19): Pace dismantled tail – POTY contender
• Mohammad Nawaz (3/26): Spin wizard broke SL’s back
• Babar Azam (37*): Classy knock, SR 132 – Chase master

Toss & Tactics: Pakistan’s Smart Call

Salman Agha won the toss and bowled first, exploiting dew factor. Pakistan’s spinners ruled with 12 overs for 52/6, while SL’s attack lacked bite.

Series Recap: Pakistan’s Dominant Run

• League Stage: PAK 3 wins (2 vs ZIM, 1 vs SL)
• SL’s Path: 2 wins, 2 losses – Dramatic comeback vs PAK
• Venue: Rawalpindi – PAK unbeaten in 4 T20Is

Post-Match Buzz

Shanaka: “We expected better – credit Pakistan’s bowling.” Agha: “Bowlers set it up perfectly.”

Pakistan’s tri-series trophy adds to their strong 2025 (21 wins in 34 T20Is). SL heads home with lessons from the final collapse.

Man of the Series? Nawaz or Shaheen? Vote below! 🏏🇵🇰