The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was electric on Thursday night, but it was the visiting Sri Lankans who erupted in celebration as Dushmantha Chameera delivered a masterclass in death bowling, defending 10 runs in the final over to clinch a stunning 6-run victory over Pakistan. This pulsating encounter in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 wasn’t just a match it was a narrative of resilience, shattered momentum, and a team peaking at the perfect time.
A Tale of Two Innings: Sri Lanka’s Fighting Total
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka, who had been struggling for form, put up a competitive 184/5 on the board. Their innings was built on a foundation of crucial contributions rather than one dominant knock. Kamil Mishara played a beautiful, anchoring innings at the top, showing the clarity and intent that was missing in previous games. He was ably supported by the middle-order muscle of Janith Liyanage, Kusal Mendis, and a typical late flourish from the lower order.
It was a total that signaled a shift. After being whitewashed in the ODIs and losing their first two tri-series games, Sri Lanka finally showcased the fighting spirit they are known for.
Pakistan’s Chase: A Collapse and a Valiant Fightback
In response, Pakistan’s chase was derailed before it even began. The Player of the Match, Dushmantha Chameera, was simply unplayable with the new ball. His plan was simple and devastatingly effective: bowl fast, hit the wicket, and mix up the pace. The result? Three top-order wickets in his first two overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 40/4 in the powerplay.
From the depths of that collapse, a partnership emerged to resurrect the hopes of a partisan crowd. Captain Salman Agha, playing a true skipper’s knock, dug deep. Alongside the aggressive Usman Khan, he stitched a crucial 50-run stand that steadied the ship. While Usman provided the fireworks with a couple of massive sixes, Agha initially played the anchor.
However, once Usman fell to a clever Wanindu Hasaranga googly for a well-made 33, Agha shifted gears. He brought up a magnificent fifty and began to find the boundary with authority. With Mohammad Nawaz chipping in with a vital 27 off 16 balls, the momentum swung dramatically.
The Final Over: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
As the game hurtled towards its climax, the equation was simple: 22 needed off 12 balls. The momentum was firmly with Pakistan. Agha, with 63 runs to his name, was seeing the ball like a football. The crowd was on its feet, sensing another heist.
The 19th over went for 12 runs, leaving a seemingly gettable 10 runs to win from the final 6 deliveries.
The stage was set for a grandstand finish. Dasun Shanaka threw the ball to his premier fast bowler, Dushmantha Chameera. Despite the dew making the ball slippery, Chameera backed his strengths.
What followed was a lesson in executing under pressure. Chameera was impeccable. He mixed searing yorkers with clever leg-cutters, giving the batters no room to free their arms. He kept the dangerous Agha off strike, induced a mis-hit from Faheem Ashraf that was calmly taken by Shanaka in the deep, and closed out the game with clinical precision. Pakistan could only manage three runs from the over, their unbeaten run in T20Is coming to a screeching halt.
What This Result Means
For Sri Lanka: This is more than just a win; it’s a statement. They have turned their tour around with back-to-back victories. The contributions came from everyone—batting, bowling, and fielding. They have momentum, confidence and have secured their spot in the final. “We are a much better side than what we showed,” a proud Captain Shanaka said after the game.
For Pakistan: The unbeaten streak is over. While Salman Agha’s valiant effort was commendable, the top-order collapse and a slightly expensive bowling performance in the powerplay meant they were always chasing the game. The big question now is whether this loss will break their momentum or serve as a timely wake-up call before the final.
The Final Verdict
Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, and this match was a perfect testament to that. Sri Lanka, written off by many, has fought their way into the final and will be brimming with belief. Pakistan, meanwhile, will have to go back to the drawing board and address its top-order frailties.
One thing is for certain: the final on Saturday promises to be a blockbuster. Can Sri Lanka continue their dream run, or will Pakistan bounce back and reclaim their dominance? Rawalpindi is set for a thrilling conclusion.
