Pakistan Crush Sri Lanka to Clinch Tri-Series Title

Pakistan stormed to a commanding victory in the tri-series final, dismantling Sri Lanka with a ruthless bowling display before cruising to a modest 115-run chase with minimal fuss. The win was sealed in the 19th over, capping off a performance defined by discipline with the ball and composure with the bat.

Sri Lanka, who at one stage were well-placed at 84 for 1 in the 11th over, collapsed dramatically to 114 all out, losing their final nine wickets for just 30 runs. The downfall began when Mohammad Nawaz removed Kusal Mendis, brilliantly caught on the boundary by captain Babar Azam. What followed was a stunning freefall, triggered largely by Pakistan’s spinners.

Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheaded the attack with three wickets apiece, while Abrar Ahmed added two of his own. Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order crumbled, with seven successive partnerships worth six runs or fewer, exposing their inability to rebuild under pressure.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub laid a calm foundation in the chase, adding 46 runs before Babar guided the innings to safety with an unbeaten 37 off 34 balls. Though far from explosive, his knock was measured and effective given the low target.

Babar also enjoyed an outstanding day in the field, taking three sharp catches—including a superb overhead grab to dismiss Mendis and a diving effort to remove Kamil Mishara. Mishara, Sri Lanka’s standout performer, struck 59 off 47 balls, showcasing aggressive strokeplay in the powerplay with three sixes. His back-to-back half-centuries may offer Sri Lanka a rare positive despite their batting implosion.

In the end, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and composed batting left Sri Lanka with little room to recover, securing the tri-series trophy with authority.