By Asghar Ali Mubarak
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan clinched the T20 Tri-Nation Series title on Sunday with a composed six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at Rawalpindi Stadium, capping off a tournament that highlighted the team’s blend of resilience and skill.
Sri Lanka set a modest target of 115 runs, but Pakistan approached the chase with confidence, reaching the total with eight balls to spare. The innings got off to a solid start as Sahibzada Farhan and Saeem Ayub put on a 46-run partnership in just 7.3 overs. Farhan contributed 23 runs, including a six and two boundaries, before falling to Lasith Malinga, while Ayub added 36 runs with six boundaries but was dismissed LBW by Hasaranga.
Pakistan’s middle order faced some early challenges. Captain Salman Agha managed 14 runs off 14 balls before being removed by Ratanake, and Fakhar Zaman added only three runs before falling to the same bowler. The chase was steadied by Babar Azam, who remained unbeaten on 37, ably supported by Usman Khan, who held his nerve to finish three not out, guiding Pakistan over the line.
Fast bowler Mohammad Nawaz emerged as the standout performer, earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honors. In the final, he claimed three wickets for just 17 runs in four overs and finished the tournament with 10 wickets, a decisive contribution to Pakistan’s success.
The victory not only secured the trophy but also underscored Pakistan’s balanced approach, combining disciplined bowling and opportunistic batting under pressure. It provided a confident conclusion to the series, offering encouragement to fans and selectors alike as the team looks ahead to future international fixtures.
