RAWALPINDI: Pakistan clinched the T20I tri-series title with a commanding six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a modest target of 115, Pakistan began strongly as openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put together a vital 46-run stand. Farhan contributed 23 runs off 22 deliveries, including two fours and a six, before pacer Eshan Malinga ended his innings.
Babar Azam then joined Saim Ayub at the crease, steering Pakistan beyond the 50-run mark by the eighth over. However, Saim’s impressive knock of 36 off 33 balls, featuring six boundaries, came to an end when Wanindu Hasaranga struck, leaving Pakistan at 75-2 in 11.3 overs.
Captain Salman Ali Agha joined Babar to stabilize the chase, but Agha was dismissed for 14 off 14 balls by Pavan Rathnayake. Rathnayake soon made another breakthrough, removing Fakhar Zaman for just three runs, and Pakistan found themselves at 104-4 in 17.1 overs.
Despite a brief stumble, Pakistan comfortably concluded the chase in the 19th over. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 37 off 34 balls, including two boundaries and a six, while Usman Khan added three runs to secure a memorable triumph for the home team.
Pakistan’s bowlers were in fine form, led by Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz, who claimed three wickets each. Abrar Ahmed took two wickets, while Salman Mirza and Saim Ayub chipped in with one apiece in what was a clinical performance by the home side.
