ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP): Sri Lanka outplayed Pakistan by six run in the 6th match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series and qualified for the final at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Pakistan fell short as they were bowled out for 178 for 7 in the 20 overs. Chasing 185, Sahibzada Farhan (9) and Saim Ayub (27) got Pakistan off to a decent start, but Dushmantha Chameera’s wickets of Farhan and Babar Azam (0) in quick succession put Sri Lanka back in the game. Fakhar Zaman (1) also left Pakistan struggling.
Salman Agha (63) and Usman Khan (33) steadied the innings, but Pakistan couldn’t recover from the loss of key wickets. Mohammad Nawaz (27) and Faheem Ashraf (7) couldn’t take Pakistan over the line.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were led by Dushmantha Chameera, who took 4 wickets for 20 runs, and Eshan Malinga, who took two for 54. Pakistan’s failure to chase down the target means Sri Lanka has qualified for the final, joining hosts Pakistan.
Earlier, after put into bat, Sri Lanka’s batting unit showed resilience in their first innings, posting a total of 184 runs for 5 in the 20 overs.
Opener Kamil Mishara led the charge with a brilliant 76 off 48 balls, striking 6 fours and 3 sixes. Kusal Mendis contributed 40 runs off 23 balls, hitting 6 fours and a six, before falling to Abrar Ahmed’s flipper. Opener Pathum Nissanka started slowly, scoring 8 runs off 7 balls, before Salman Mirza’s clever slower ball ended his innings.
Dasun Shanaka (17 runs) was run out on the last ball of the innings while Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten at 24 runs respectively, helping Sri Lanka to a competitive total.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen, as Abrar Ahmed bagged two wickets for 28 runs while Salman Mirza and Saim Ayub took one wicket each. Dushmantha Chameera was named Player of the match. The final of the T20I Tri-Series will be played on Saturday with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka.