By Asghar Ali Mubarak
RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka edged past Pakistan by six runs in the final league match of the T20 Tri-Nation Series to secure a place in the tournament final this Saturday.
At Rawalpindi, Pakistan won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to bat first. The visitors’ innings got off to a shaky start as opener Pathum Nissanka fell for eight, but a 66-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Kamal Mishara steadied the innings. Mendis contributed 40 before being dismissed, while Mishara remained unbeaten on 76. Bhanuka Liyanage added a quick 24 not out, helping Sri Lanka post a total of 184 for five. Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s most effective bowler, taking two wickets.
Pakistan’s reply faltered early, scoring only 45 runs in the powerplay while losing four wickets. Saifullah Farhan managed nine runs, Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, Fakhar Zaman made one, and Saim Ayub added 27. Captain Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan then steadied the innings, taking the score to 99 before Khan fell for 33. A late surge by Mohammad Nawaz, who scored 27 off just 16 balls, brought Pakistan back into contention, leaving 10 runs needed in the final over.
Dushmantha Chameera claimed the crucial wicket of Faheem Ashraf, finishing with three for three, and secured a narrow win for Sri Lanka. Chameera took four wickets in the match and was named player of the match for his outstanding bowling performance. Salman Ali Agha remained unbeaten on 63 for Pakistan. The Tri-Nation Series final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled for Saturday.
