SL vs PAK (3rd Match) – Highlights
Pakistan delivered a commanding performance in Rawalpindi, defeating Sri Lanka by 7 wickets with 27 balls to spare in the 3rd match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025. A solid bowling display set the tone before an explosive batting show, led by Sahibzada Farhan, secured a clinical chase under lights. The crowd at the Pindi Cricket Stadium witnessed a complete all-round effort, the kind Pakistan fans have been craving in T20Is.
SL, sent in to bat, never truly found momentum. The opening stand showed early promise when Kamil Mishara played a fiery cameo of 22 from just 12 balls, striking two fours and two sixes. However, wickets arrived at constant intervals, preventing any sustained acceleration. Pathum Nissanka tried stabilising the innings with 17 off 23, but was dismissed against the run of play. The middle-order struggled against Pakistan’s spin-heavy mid-innings attack, with Mohammad Nawaz delivering a decisive spell. The left-armer dismissed Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis to finish with a brilliant 3 for 16 in four overs, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Janith Liyanage stood tall amidst the collapse with an unbeaten 41 off 38, but the lack of support around him forced SL to settle for 128 for 7 in their 20 overs. Contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Perera helped them reach a somewhat respectable total, yet it always looked below par on a true Rawalpindi surface. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained discipline throughout, with Salman Mirza, Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed also chipping in with wickets. Nawaz’s control in the middle overs sucked the tempo out of the Sri Lankan innings, preventing the visitors from launching at the death.
PAK’s chase began with intent and aggression. Sahibzada Farhan showcased his most complete T20I performance to date, blending clean hitting with smart strike rotation. His innings of 80 not out from 45 balls was an exhibition of controlled power, featuring six fours and five sixes. At the other end, Saim Ayub added a brisk 20 from 18, helping Pakistan race to 50 inside the powerplay. Even the dismissal of Captain Babar Azam for a scratchy 16 and Salman Agha for a golden duck did not slow the scoring rate. Farhan continued to take calculated risks while Usman Khan joined him to calmly finish the job.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to create pressure as Dushmantha Chameera was the only one to make real breakthroughs, picking up the wickets of Babar Azam and Salman Agha. Dasun Shanaka dismissed Saim Ayub, but the lack of collective impact made defending the low total impossible, especially against an in-form Farhan.
PAK crossed the line comfortably, finishing on 131 for 3 in 15.3 overs and reinforcing their dominance in the series. The victory highlighted the team’s balanced composition, improved intent at the top, and clarity in bowling roles. With momentum building at the right time, Pakistan’s confidence will be high heading into the next match.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Scoreboard
Sri Lanka – 128/7 (20)
Pakistan – 131/3 (15.3)
Result – Pakistan won by 7 wickets (with 27 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Nawaz
SL vs PAK Playing XIs
Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga |
Pakistan | Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
Relive the thrilling moments of cricket with JeetBuzz News—your ultimate destination for Match Highlights, expert opinions, and exclusive insights. Stay engaged and catch all the action shaping the cricketing world—only on JeetBuzz News!
