Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the tri-series final, in Rawalpindi on Saturday. Saim Ayub (36) and Sahibzada Farhan (23) were key as Pakistan reached 118/4 in 18.4 overs, in their chase of 115 runs. Meanwhile, Babar Azam (37*) hit the match-winning runs. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz destroyed the Sri Lanka batting order with three-wicket hauls as the visitors were bowled out for 114 in 19.1 overs in the tri-series final.
After Kamil Mishara’s dismissal, it went all downhill for Sri Lanka, as nobody else failed to register a double digit score and there were three ducks. Saim Ayub removed Kamil Mishara (59) as Pakistan finally ended his knock. Mohammad Nawaz did break Mishara’s partnership with Kusal Mendis (14), but Pakistan needed the opener’s key wicket.
Conditions in Rawalpindi were far from unplayable. There was turn, but nothing Sri Lanka — historically strong players of spin — should have struggled with. Instead, panic set in quickly, leaving Mishara stranded and helpless as partners threw their wickets away. The total of 115 on a 150-type pitch always felt well short.
The hosts got an early breakthrough through Shaheen Shah Africa as Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka (11) lost his wicket. Initially, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha won the toss and opted to field against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
The victory capped off a dominant run for Pakistan, who have now won 21 out of 34 T20Is this year — their most in a single calendar year. Throughout the tournament, they adjusted better to the conditions, showed discipline with the ball, and displayed clarity in their batting plans. The final only reinforced the gulf between the two sides.
The triumph adds another chapter to Pakistan’s strong record in tri-series finals, following wins over Australia (2018), New Zealand (2022), and Afghanistan (2025). Their performance in Rawalpindi was complete, confident, showing they can be a solid side when on song.
