Babar Azam stars as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to win T20I tri-series

Babar Azam stars as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to win T20I tri-series

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to win T20I tri-series. ESPNcricinfo

November, 29 2025

RAWALPINDI (Web Desk): Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in the final to claim the T20I tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, thrilling cricket fans across the country.

Chasing a modest target of 115, Pakistan started strongly as openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan built a 46-run partnership. Farhan scored 23 off 22 balls, hitting two fours and a six before being dismissed by Eshan Malinga.

Babar Azam joined Saim Ayub and guided Pakistan past 50 runs by the eighth over. Saim fell for 36 off 33 balls, leaving Pakistan at 75-2 in 11.3 overs after a strike by Wanindu Hasaranga.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha and Babar Azam then added a key partnership to stabilize the innings. Agha was out for 14 off 14 balls, followed soon by Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal for three, bringing Pakistan to 104-4 in 17.1 overs.

Despite a mid-innings wobble, Pakistan crossed the finish line in the 19th over. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 37 off 34 balls, including two fours and a six, while Usman Khan contributed three runs, sealing a six-wicket victory.

Batting first, Sri Lanka started steadily with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara adding 20 runs. Shaheen Afridi struck early, removing Nissanka for 11 off seven balls.

Mishara and skipper Kusal Mendis added a 50-run partnership for the second wicket. Mendis fell for 14 off 18 balls, leaving Sri Lanka at 84-2 in 10.3 overs. Mishara scored 59 off 47 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes before being dismissed.

Abrar Ahmed removed Kusal Perera for one, leaving Sri Lanka at 103-4 in 14.4 overs, and quickly dismissed Pavan Rathnayake as well. Mohammad Nawaz picked up Janith Liyanage’s duck and later dismissed Wanindu Hasaranga.

Shaheen Afridi then struck twice, removing skipper Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana, leaving Sri Lanka at 113-9 in 18.5 overs. Salman Mirza dismissed Dushmantha Chameera for a duck in the final over, ending Sri Lanka’s innings at 114 all out.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz took three wickets each. Abrar Ahmed claimed two, while Salman Mirza and Saim Ayub picked one wicket each.

Cricket analysts say Pakistan’s strong opening partnership and Babar Azam’s calm leadership made the difference. The bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Nawaz, was highly effective, showing Pakistan’s depth in T20 cricket. Experts believe such performances boost team confidence ahead of major international tournaments.