Pakistan secured the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025/26 title with a commanding six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka within the ultimate at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Opting to subject first after profitable the toss, Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka for simply 114 in 19.1 overs, establishing an easy chase accomplished in 18.4 overs. Saim Ayub‘s twin impression and Mohammad Nawaz‘s incisive spell proved decisive on this high-stakes night time encounter underneath the floodlights.
Mohammad Nawaz’s distinctive spell crumbles Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka raced to 56 for 1 within the powerplay, powered by Kamil Mishara‘s aggressive 59 off 47 balls, together with two fours and 4 sixes, after Pathum Nissanka‘s brisk 11 fell early to Shaheen Shah Afridi. The momentum shifted dramatically post-drinks at 81 for 1 in 10 overs, as Mohammad Nawaz unleashed a fiery four-over spell of 17 runs for 3 wickets, dismissing Kusal Mendis (14), Janith Liyanage (0), and Wanindu Hasaranga (5) to spark a collapse.
The final eight wickets tumbled for 30 runs, with fall of wickets accelerating from 84 for two (10.3 overs) to all out at 114—Pavan Rathnayake (8) and Kusal Perera (1) to Abrar Ahmed, Dasun Shanaka (2) to Shaheen, and tailenders cleaned up by Salman Mirza and Shaheen’s 3 for 18. Nawaz’s economical 4.25 run fee and sharp flip exploited the Rawalpindi floor, whereas Ayub chipped in with 1 for 17, together with Mishara’s catch off his bowling. Extras added 13, however Pakistan’s collective effort restricted Sri Lanka beneath 120.
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Saim Ayub’s blistering knock powers Pakistan to a commanding victory
Chasing 115, Pakistan navigated the powerplay at 32 for 0 earlier than Eshan Malinga struck, eradicating Sahibzada Farhan (23 off 22) at 46 for 1 in 7.3 overs. Ayub then unleashed a blistering 36 off 33 balls—laced with six fours—to propel the rating to 50 in 7.5 overs and 71 for 1 on the 10-over drinks interval. His lbw departure to Wanindu Hasaranga at 75 for two (11.3 overs) introduced Babar Azam (37 not out off 34, with two fours and a six) to the fore, steadying the innings amid a profitable DRS assessment. Pavan Rathnayake fought again with 2 for 11, accounting for Salman Agha (14 off 14) at 98 for 3 (15.3 overs) and Fakhar Zaman (3 off 5) at 104 for 4 (17.1 overs), however Babar and Usman Khan (3 not out) calmly completed the job and guided hosts house with 8 balls left at 118/4.
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