Sri Lanka entered the tri-series final after a tight six-run victory over Pakistan, thanks to a brilliant four-wicket spell from Dushmantha Chameera. Pakistan had already secured their place in the final, but Sri Lanka needed a win to advance—and they delivered under pressure.

Pakistan opted to bowl first, with Sri Lanka posting 184/5 in their 20 overs. Kamil Mishara anchored the innings with a superb 76 off 48, while Kusal Mendis added a crucial 40 to set up a competitive total.

In reply, Pakistan were restricted to 178/7, despite captain Salman Ali Agha’s impressive unbeaten 63, his best T20I score. Chameera’s early strikes left Pakistan struggling at 43/4 in the powerplay, and his calm final over—conceding just three runs when 10 were needed—sealed the match.

Usman Khan (33) and Agha revived the chase with a 56-run partnership, followed by a 70-run late surge with Mohammad Nawaz (27), but Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve. Eshan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with timely wickets to keep Pakistan behind the required rate.

Earlier, Sri Lanka got off to a flying start with a 58-run powerplay. After Mishara’s dismissal in the 17th over, Janith Liyanage (24)* and captain Dasun Shanaka (17)* added valuable runs at the end, ensuring a defendable total.

Sri Lanka captain Shanaka praised his team’s fight, saying, “The boys responded incredibly well. Chameera was exceptional.”
Pakistan skipper Agha admitted the early collapse hurt their chances: “We let the game slip in the powerplay. That made the chase much harder.”

Sri Lanka now head confidently into the tri-series final after a must-win performance.