Sri Lanka beats Pakistan by 6 runs in thrilling T20I Tri-Series clash, advances to final after Chameera’s stunning four-wicket haul

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 6 runs in a thrilling T20I Tri-Series clash on November 27, 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka’s Kamil Mishara scored a brilliant 76 runs, powering his team to 184 for 5, while Dushmantha Chameera delivered an ice-cool final over to defend the target as Pakistan fell short at 178 for 7. Sri Lanka advances to the final scheduled for November 29 at Rawalpindi.

Mishara Powers Sri Lanka’s Fighting Innings

Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka lost early momentum when Pathum Nissanka departed for a single wicket to a delivery from Salman Mirza. However, Kusal Mendis (40 off 23 balls) combined with Kamil Mishara in a brisk 66-run partnership for the second wicket that shifted the balance decisively.

Mishara’s aggressive 76 off 48 deliveries became the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cause, featuring six fours and three maximums. He continued his onslaught even after Mendis fell lbw to Abrar Ahmed, punishing Pakistan’s bowling with audacious ramps and inside-out lofts that kept the scoring rate above nine runs per over. A late cameo from Dasun Shanaka (17 off 10) provided the finishing touches, though he was disappointingly run out off the final delivery.

Abrar Ahmed proved most economical for Pakistan with 2-28, while other bowlers struggled on a batting-friendly surface. Pakistan’s bowling attack conceded 58 runs without loss during the powerplay, setting Sri Lanka up for a strong finish.

Chameera’s Yorker Masterclass Seals Historic Victory

Chasing 185, Pakistan started confidently with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub adding 28 runs in the first three overs. However, the equation shifted dramatically when Chameera struck twice in the fourth over, removing Farhan at cover and trapping Babar Azam plumb lbw. Young pacer Eshan Malinga compounded Pakistan’s troubles by removing Ayub (27 off 18 balls) when his stumps were rattled in the sixth over.

At 43 for 4, Pakistan appeared headed for collapse, but Salman Agha rallied courageously from that precarious position. Playing with elegance and aggression, he added 56 for the fifth wicket with Usman Khan (33 off 23) to maintain Pakistan’s chances. After Usman fell attempting one shot too many against Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Nawaz (27 off 16) joined his captain in a 70-run sixth-wicket partnership off just 36 deliveries.

When Nawaz skied to long-off with 22 needed off 12 balls remaining, the chase still looked gettable. But Chameera returned for the final over with unerring accuracy, removing Faheem Ashraf in the penultimate delivery and then executing the perfect yorker to Mohammad Wasim off the final ball to seal victory.

Tournament Implications and Sri Lanka’s Path Forward

Team	Matches	Wins	Points
Pakistan	3	3	6
Zimbabwe	4	1	2
Sri Lanka	3	2	4

With this crucial win, Sri Lanka advanced directly to the final scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Rawalpindi. Pakistan, having lost this must-win match for their opponents, will now play Zimbabwe to determine the second finalists. The victory proved transformative for Sri Lanka, who had suffered two consecutive defeats in the preliminary round before recording a dominant win over Zimbabwe that kept their campaign alive.

Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan squad remains unbeaten with three wins in three matches, having secured top position in the standings. However, the loss means their opponents for the final have been determined as per the tournament format.

Chameera’s Four-Wicket Haul Earns Player of the Match Honors

Dushmantha Chameera delivered a performance for the ages, claiming figures of 4-20 off his four overs to restrict Pakistan despite their aggressive middle-order comeback. His death-bowling expertise under pressure proved decisive in the final over when he dismissed Faheem Ashraf with a full delivery at the stumps before executing the perfect yorker to block out Mohammad Wasim.

Coach Chris Silverwood‘s Sri Lankan unit displayed remarkable character after prior setbacks, with Mishara emerging as a decisive middleorder pillar and the bowling attack maintaining composure when the match hung in balance. The 6-run victory margin reflected the razor-thin margins of T20 cricket, where execution in death overs determines champions.

What’s Next for Both Teams in the Tri-Series?

Sri Lanka head to the November 29 final with momentum and a sense of redemption after their earlier tournament struggles. Pakistan face Zimbabwe in what amounts to a playoff fixture for the other final spot, with their unbeaten record providing confidence despite this setback. The Tri-Series features three nations—Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe—competing for championship honors in a double round-robin format before the final match determines the holder of the trophy.

The thrilling contest demonstrated the quality of international T20 cricket, with both sides producing moments of brilliance under pressure. Pakistan’s aggressive late-overs batting offered glimpses of what might have been, while Sri Lanka’s composed bowling and middle-order batting proved the difference on the night.

Sources

• ESPNcricinfo – Full match report and scorecard from Pakistan T20I Tri-Series official coverage
• Hindustan Times Cricket – Match result and detailed commentary on the thriller at Rawalpindi
• Dawn News – Sri Lanka’s historic victory with comprehensive match analysis and player performances