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Pakistan secured the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025/26 title with a commanding six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka for just 114 in 19.1 overs, setting up a straightforward chase completed in 18.4 overs. Saim Ayub‘s dual impact and Mohammad Nawaz‘s incisive spell proved decisive in this high-stakes night encounter under the floodlights.
Mohammad Nawaz’s exceptional spell crumbles Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka raced to 56 for 1 in the powerplay, powered by Kamil Mishara‘s aggressive 59 off 47 balls, including two fours and four 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 last eight wickets tumbled for 30 runs, with fall of wickets accelerating from 84 for 2 (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 rate and sharp turn exploited the Rawalpindi surface, while Ayub chipped in with 1 for 17, including Mishara’s catch off his bowling. Extras added 13, but Pakistan’s collective effort restricted Sri Lanka below 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 before Eshan Malinga struck, removing 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 score to 50 in 7.5 overs and 71 for 1 at the 10-over drinks interval. His lbw departure to Wanindu Hasaranga at 75 for 2 (11.3 overs) brought Babar Azam (37 not out off 34, with two fours and a six) to the fore, steadying the innings amid a successful DRS review. Pavan Rathnayake fought back 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), but Babar and Usman Khan (3 not out) calmly finished the job and guided hosts home with 8 balls left at 118/4.
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