Spin Dominance and Babar’s Anchor Role Guide Pakistan to Tri-Series Glory in Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi, Pakistan – Pakistan clinched the T20I Tri-Series title with a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The win was a testament to a complete team performance, spearheaded by a clinical bowling display that saw Sri Lanka collapse dramatically and an assured, measured chase anchored by the ever-reliable Babar Azam.
Pakistan, who won the toss and elected to field, restricted the Islanders to a modest total of 114 all out in 19.1 overs. In response, the home side chased down the target of 115 comfortably, finishing on 118/4 with eight balls to spare to lift the trophy.
🏏 Sri Lanka’s Dramatic Collapse
Sri Lanka’s innings began with promising stability, largely thanks to opener Kamil Mishara, who played a crucial hand with a fighting 59 runs off 47 balls (2×4, 4×6). He forged a solid partnership with Kusal Mendis (14), taking the team past the 80-run mark for the loss of just one wicket and setting a foundation for a competitive total.
However, the introduction of Pakistan’s spinners changed the complexion of the game entirely. What followed was a spectacular and bewildering collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose their last nine wickets for a mere 30 runs.
Left-arm orthodox spinner Mohammad Nawaz (Player of the Match and Player of the Series) led the charge, claiming an exceptional 3 wickets for just 17 runs from his four overs. His breakthrough came when he had Mendis caught by a brilliant overhead grab from Babar Azam at long-off. The leg-spin of Abrar Ahmed (2/18) and the part-time spin of Saim Ayub (1/17) tightened the noose, exploiting the turn available on the Rawalpindi surface.
The innings ended swiftly as fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to mop up the tail, finishing with impressive figures of 3/18. Sri Lanka’s eventual total of 114 felt significantly below par on a pitch that was offering assistance but was far from unplayable.
🎯 Pakistan’s Measured Chase
Facing a low target of 115, Pakistan approached the chase with composure and maturity, avoiding the dramatic pitfalls that had engulfed the Sri Lankan middle order. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan laid a measured platform, ensuring the required run rate remained well within control. They put on a solid 46-run opening stand before Farhan (23 off 22) was dismissed by Eshan Malinga.
Ayub went on to score a fluent 36 runs off 33 balls, featuring six boundaries, before falling to a low delivery from Wanindu Hasaranga.
The defining factor of the chase was the calm presence of former captain Babar Azam. Coming in at number three, Babar ensured there were no further scares, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. Despite the quick departure of skipper Salman Ali Agha (14) and Fakhar Zaman (3), Babar remained rooted till the end, finishing unbeaten on 37 runs off 34 balls (2×4, 1×6).
He fittingly struck the winning boundary, cutting Dushmantha Chameera to the deep point fence, as Pakistan crossed the finish line in the 19th over to secure the six-wicket win and the Tri-Series trophy.
✨ Post-Match Recognition
The victory marked a strong finish to the T20I season for Pakistan, who now head into their preparatory phase for next year’s T20 World Cup with confidence.
- Player of the Match: Mohammad Nawaz (3/17)
- Player of the Series: Mohammad Nawaz (10 wickets across the series)
Speaking after the game, stand-in captain Salman Agha credited the bowlers for the victory and stated that the team was gaining clarity ahead of the major tournament. Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka lamented the poor application of his batters against spin, acknowledging that they squandered a fantastic start.
The result reinforces Pakistan’s status as a formidable force in T20 cricket, especially in home conditions, and provides valuable momentum as both teams turn their focus towards their World Cup preparations.
