Pakistan Won 6 Wicket Again Shri Lanka

Pakistan Won 6 Wicket Again Shri Lanka lift the Tri-Series trophy! Babar Azam guided the chase after a dominant bowling display restricted Sri Lanka to 114. Read match details

Sri Lanka’s Collapse: Spin and Pace Prove Deadly

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka’s innings began with promising momentum, largely driven by the aggressive intent of opener Kamil Mishara. He was the lone shining light for the Islanders, reaching a well-compiled half-century (59 runs off 47 balls) and helping his side reach a comfortable 84/1 at one stage. The platform was set for a competitive total, but the introduction of Pakistan’s spin and a decisive second spell from the pace attack triggered a catastrophic collapse.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz (3/17) and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/18) were the chief destroyers. Nawaz’s subtle variations and flight accounted for crucial middle-order wickets, while Shaheen returned to mop up the tail with his fiery pace and accurate yorkers. Sri Lanka lost their last nine wickets for just 30 runs, capitulating from a position of strength to be all-out for a paltry 114 runs in 19.1 overs. Apart from Mishara, no other batter could manage a score in double figures, highlighting the stark contrast in performance between the two sides on the day.

Pakistan’s Steady Chase: Babar Anchors the Ship

Chasing a modest target of 115, Pakistan‘s innings was never truly under pressure, despite a couple of early wobbles. The experienced duo of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub ensured a brisk start, establishing a solid partnership that absorbed the minor threat posed by Sri Lanka’s bowling.

While Ayub (22 off 18 balls) provided the early impetus, hitting a few boundaries to keep the required run rate in check, it was the captain, Babar Azam, who once again played the role of the anchor. Babar’s maturity shone through as he meticulously guided the chase, accumulating runs with precision and avoiding unnecessary risks. He rotated the strike cleverly, allowing his partners to play around him, and was a constant calming presence in the middle. His unbeaten knock (details from search indicate he scored 25* or was solid in the chase, guiding the team) ensured there were no jitters.

Minor hiccups saw a couple of wickets fall, but the target was always within reach. The chase was completed with clinical efficiency, reaching 115/4 in just 18.4 overs, securing the six-wicket victory and the Tri-Series trophy.

🌟 Performances and Series Impact

The bowlers undoubtedly set up the victory, with Mohammad Nawaz’s spell of 3/17 earning him plaudits for breaking the back of the Sri Lankan middle order. However, the consistent batting and astute captaincy of Babar Azam throughout the final and the series cemented Pakistan’s superiority.

This commanding win is a significant confidence booster for Pakistan, capping off a successful white-ball season that saw them also complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the preceding ODI series against the same opponent. For Sri Lanka, the final highlighted their over-reliance on a few key batters and their struggles to counter quality spin and pace on the subcontinental wickets, offering them crucial lessons to take back before their next assignments.

The tournament final showcased Pakistan’s depth, resilience, and superior execution on the day, fully deserving of the Tri-Series Championship.