Pakistan won the T20I tri-series title after comfortably beating Sri Lanka in the Final of the tri-series at Rawalpindi on Saturday (November 29) night.  

After Pakistan captain Salman Agha chose to field first, Sri Lanka had a strong start before a dramatic batting collapse resulted in 114 all out in 19.1 overs. In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in 18.4 overs after losing four wickets, as they won the match by six wickets with eight balls remaining. 

Watch: Babar Azam imitates Virat Kohli's English during special interview with Kevin Pietersen as the video goes viral

PAK vs SL, T20I tri-series Final: Sri Lanka lost last eight wickets for 16 runs

Although Pathum Nissanka was dismissed early for 11 runs, Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis had a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. While Mendis scored 14 runs, Mishara scored 59 off 47 balls with two fours and four sixes. However, once Mishara was dismissed, as Sri Lanka were batting at 98/3, they lost the remaining seven wickets for only 16 runs, as none of the other Lankan batters managed to reach double-digit scores. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/18) and Mohammad Nawaz (3/17) both got three wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed (2/18) and Saim Ayub (1/17) also shared three wickets.

PAK vs SL, T20I tri-series Final: Pakistan top-order batters comfortably finished game

Pakistan controlled the entire chase, as the hosts hardly had any tough challenges to chase the 115-run target. Openers Sahibzada Farhan (23) and Saim Ayub (36) provided controlled starts, while the leading run-scorer in T20I history, Babar Azam, scored 37 not out to secure the victory for the hosts. 

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Pavan Rathnayake got two wickets (2/11), while Eshan Malinga (1/16) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/31) managed one wicket each, but those battles weren’t enough for the Lankans.

In the league stage of the T20I tri-series tournament, which had a double round-robin system between the hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, the hosts finished as the table toppers with six points in four matches. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka finished in the second position with four points in four games, and Zimbabwe earned two points in four games. Pakistan lost only one match in the entire tournament, which was in the last game of the league stage against Sri Lanka, where the Lankans won by six runs to secure their place in the Final of the tournament. 

In the must-win game, Sri Lanka claimed a thrilling victory against the hosts Pakistan to reach the Final of the T20I tri-series. 

After Pakistan chose to field first, Sri Lanka scored 184/5 in 20 overs. Despite losing early wickets, the hosts Pakistan strongly returned to the game. While Pakistan needed 10 runs in the final over to win the match, which would eliminate Sri Lanka from the tournament as Pakistan would face Zimbabwe in the Final, Lankan right-arm fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera successfully defended and secured a six-run win.

See Also: 'Aur banao documentry..' - Fans react as Sahibzada Farhan dismissed for 9 in PAK vs SL Match 6 of Pakistan T20I Tri series 2025

Kamil Mishara scored 76 runs

Although the opener Pathum Nissanka (8) was dismissed early, another opener Kamil Mishara and wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis provided a strong start with a 66-run partnership for the second wicket. After Mendis was dismissed for 40 off 23 balls (six fours and one six), Kusal Perera lost his wicket for only four runs. 

However, Mishara and Janith Liyanage built up another solid partnership of a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Before losing his wicket in the 17th over, Mishara scored 76 off 48 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes. 

Janith scored run-a-ball 24 and captain Dasun Shanka scored 17 off 10 balls, as Sri Lanka managed the 180+ total. 

Among Pakistan bowlers, Abrar Ahmed was the only bowler with more than wicket, as he had the bowling figures of 4-0-28-2.

Pakistan captain fought till end but Dushmantha Chameera ended as hero

In reply, Pakistan lost their four wickets before the end of the powerplay. While the skipper Salman Agha controlled the innings later, he got some good supports from Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, as the hosts finally made a comeback in the game, While Khan scored 33 off 23 balls (two fours and two sixes), Nawaz scored 27 off 16 balls (one four and two sixes). 

With 12 runs in the 19th over, Pakistan required only 10 runs in the final over to win the match. Dushmantha Chameera, who already got three wickets, bowled brilliantly in the final over, as he conceded only three runs, while dismissing Faheem Ashraf (7) to secure the victory to reach the Final. Pakistan skipper Salman scored 63 not out off 44 balls with four fours and three sixes, while Chameera won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning bowling figures of 4-0-20-4.  

Just five days after hammering a career-best unbeaten 80 against Sri Lanka, Sahibzada Farhan walked out with confidence in Match 6 of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 in Rawalpindi. But this time, the script flipped dramatically. The in-form opener managed just 9 off 7 balls, falling to a sharp delivery from Dushmantha Chameera, triggering a wave of reactions across social media.

Pakistan, chasing Sri Lanka’s competitive 184/5, were rocked early at 29/1, with fans quick to remind Farhan of his earlier heroics, and equally quick to express their frustration. Memes and sarcastic posts flooded timelines, with the phrase “Aur banao documentary..” trending among disappointed supporters. The comment referenced the hype that followed Farhan’s match-winning knock last week, which had catapulted him into the spotlight.

Sri Lanka, playing for a spot in the final, showed far more discipline with the ball this time. Chameera’s fiery two-over spell (3 wickets for just 3 runs) dismantled Pakistan’s top order, claiming Farhan, Babar Azam (0), and Fakhar Zaman (1) in a devastating burst.

Farhan’s early exit sparks fan backlash as Pakistan stumble in high-stakes chase

Despite the early collapse at 43/4, Pakistan stayed afloat through Usman Khan’s counterattacking 33 off 22 and skipper Salman Agha’s steady 23 off 21, but the pressure of chasing close to 10 an over kept mounting. Farhan’s dismissal, however, remained the talking point, largely because of the contrast with his recent brilliance. 

For Sri Lanka, the wicket was huge. For Pakistan fans, it was a reality check. Sri Lanka’s batting earlier was powered by a superb 76 off 48 by Kamil Mishara and a rapid 40 off 23 from Kusal Mendis, taking them to a strong 184. Pakistan’s bowlers, except Abrar Ahmed (2/28) and Salman Mirza (1/29), struggled for consistency.

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With a place in the final on the line, the stakes were already high, and Farhan’s early exit only intensified the drama. Whether this dismissal proves to be a blip or the start of a form dip will be known soon enough, but for now, fans have made their verdict clear in typical Twitter fashion.

🚨Wicket Loss

Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT!

c Janith Liyanage b Dushmantha Chameera.#SportsSide | #TriNationSeries | #PakistanCricket | #CricketKiJeet | #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/3Rxvp7s5aq

— Sports Side (@TheSportsSide1) November 27, 2025

🏏 PAK vs SL Highlight 🏏

🔥 Edge & taken!
Maheesh Theekshana strikes — Sahibzada Farhan departs! 🎯

PAK - 29/1 (3.4 Overs)

Pakistan need 156 runs#PAKvsSL #PAKvSL #T20I

— Gully Point (@gullypoint_) November 27, 2025

Pakistan lose their first wicket.

Sahibzada Farhan departs for just 9.#PAKvSL #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/bJse32gKky

— Ramzy 🇵🇰🇬🇧 (@Ramz_004) November 27, 2025

Pakistani Bowlers must take wicket of Opener Mishara who has made 39 runs in 24 balls. He is a dangerous player. SL score at the moment is 96/2. Ten overs are bowled. This means that if their wickets will not fall they can give target around 200 runs to Pakistani Team. #PAKvSL

— Syed Khalid Mahmood (@SyedKhalidMah12) November 27, 2025

Pakistan’s former T20I captain, Babar Azam, didn’t enjoy his outing against the Sri Lanka side in the last group-stage clash of the Tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It was a huge chase for the Green Brigade, who were unbeaten till that point in the competition and had already qualified for the final. 

The Pakistan batter came into the crease on the fifth ball of the fourth ball and pushed the fullish delivery from Dushmantha Chameera to the mid-off region. But he was trapped on his second delivery against the lanky pacer as the back of a length delivery stayed low and caught the right-handed batter in the crease.

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Babar couldn’t bring his bat down in time and was pinned right in front of the stumps as the umpire raised his finger. He decided to have a chat with his partner, Saim Ayub, and rightfully went against it and returned for his second-ball duck. He now joins Ayub and Umar Akmal to score the most T20I ducks (10) for Pakistan.

Watch: Babar Azam records his 10th T20I duck during PAK vs SL T20I

In the first innings, Sri Lanka used the conditions pretty well and ended with a fabulous score on the board. Their opening batter, Kamil Mishra, nailed a fine knock of 76 runs in 48 balls with the help of six boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 158.33, while their wicket-keeper batter, Kusal Mendis, smashed 40 runs in 23 balls.

Babar Azam 0(2) vs Sri Lanka

He now has 4 ducks in his last 9 T20I innings, joint-most for Pakistan (10) pic.twitter.com/N2d6GD847e

— Kh4N PCT (@Kh4N_PCT) November 27, 2025

Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten on 24 runs at a strike rate of 100 to cross the 180-run mark for the Pakistan side. Abra Ahmed was excellent with his figures of 2/28, while Salman Mirza ended with 1/29 in his four overs.

In the chase, Pakistan lost their four wickets inside the powerplay. Chameera breathed fire with magical figures of 3/3 in his two overs as Pakistan lost three of their top five batters with single-digit scores and were restricted to 47/4 in seven overs. A win for Sri Lanka would qualify them for the final.

Last year, during the retirement of the veteran England pacer, James Anderson, Pakistan’s former captain and experienced batter, Babar Azam, was trolled online on social media platforms. This trend has continued even after the second current ODI of the series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Islamabad, where he ended his century drought.

A video has gone viral where the stadium’s honours board instructor was seen to suggest the dates and match result, along with the spelling of wickets. Babar Azam was disgusted at the interaction and expressed “ap hi likh lena si’ before moving to the second board and putting another piece of data in the century he made.

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Azam smashed a fine unbeaten knock of 102 runs in 119 balls with the help of eight boundaries at a strike rate of 85.71, which helped the home side take a 2-0 unbeatable lead with the eight-wicket victory. This was Babar’s 20th century in the ODI format, which has now equaled him with Saeed Anwar as the most centuries in the ODIs for the national side.

Watch: Rawalpindi Honours Board instructor tells Babar Azam wickets' spelling post century in PAK vs SL 2nd ODI

Babar reached his 20th ODI century in 136 innings, which is the third fastest in this term, after Hashim Amla and Virat Kohli. The former South Africa batter reached the landmark in 108 innings, while Kohli celebrated the record in 133 innings. While David Warner, Quinton de Kock, and Ab de Villiers follow Babar in the list.

 

 

 

 

 

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It was also Babar’s eighth hundred in the 50-over format at home, which is the most by any Pakistan batter, surpassing Mohammad Yousuf’s seven centuries. Sri Lanka was reduced to 288/8 in the first innings thanks to some contributions from the middle order. Pakistan didn’t sweat much in the chase as Fakhar Zaman also contributed with 78 runs.

“I wanted to believe in myself and my hard work. I was getting off to good starts, but I wasn't able to live up to the expectations. I was getting out at the wrong times. I was just trying my best. It's an honour to get past all the records of all legends.” Babar expressed after the end of the game.

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has revealed that the board had assured the players of their safety and also instructed the team to continue playing matches as scheduled. The board had also laid out that any member of the touring parties who defied their instruction would need to go through a review. This happened following the suicide bombing in Islamabad.

Deliberations went late in the evening of November 12 regarding the future of the trip, with the players and the management of the SLC officials, and the security officials of Pakistan being involved in the discussion. With logistics being thrown off, the remaining two ODIs of the series have been pushed by a day.

See Also: Security strengthened for Sri Lanka after Islamabad blast as PCB chief confirms ‘fool-proof’ safety

“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party.” SL released the statement.

Sri Lanka to face Pakistan in remaining ODIs on November 14 and 16

The chairman of the PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, has met the Sri Lanka players to reassure them regarding their safety and encourage them to continue the tour. The PCB also released a statement detailing that the briefing on the security provided to the Sri Lanka team has been provided.

“If any player, players, or member of the support staff return despite SLC's directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review,” SLC added in the official statement.

Sri Lanka suffered a terrorist attack in Pakistan in 2009 in Lahore, and was among the first teams to resume their trips to Pakistan after the long exile. In the opening Rawalpindi ODI, the hosts held their nerve for a six-run victory against Sri Lanka to go 1-0 up in the series. Salman Agha celebrated a fine century after they lost four wickets under 100 runs, including former captain and veteran batter Babar Azam.

Security has been tightened around the away Sri Lanka cricket team in Pakistan after a deadly suicide bombing rocked Islamabad on November 11, which killed 12 people and injured several others. The blast, which occurred outside a judicial complex in the capital, has heightened concerns as Sri Lanka continues their limited-overs trip in the country. 

The reports have claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who served as the Federal Minister for Interior, met the officials of Sri Lanka personally and players to assure them of ‘fool-proof security’ arrangements. Naqvi later visited the stadium to oversee security measures and brief the team about additional steps following the attack.

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“Security has been beefed up with Pakistan Army and the paramilitary Rangers now deputed to monitor safety for the visiting players and officials.” The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source has confirmed, as quoted by the Times of India (TOI).

PCB chief strengthens Sri Lanka’s security post Islamabad blast  

Pakistan’s interior Ministry has indirectly blamed the government led by the Afghan Taliban for allowing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from its soil. The tensions between the two neighbours have increased after failed peace talks in Doha and the military operations by Pakistan in the Afghan border areas. The 2009 terror attack before the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore remains a fresh, painful memory- one that Pakistan’s authorities are determined not to repeat the same mistake.

Pakistan posted 299 runs on the board with Salman Agha smashing a fine knock of 105 runs in 87 balls at a strike rate of 120 with the help of nine boundaries. Hussain Talat grabbed 62 runs with the help of six boundaries and one six while Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 36 runs in 23 balls at a strike rate of 156.52, thanks to five boundaries and one six.

Sri Lanka got 293/9 in their 50 overs and fell short of the target by six runs. Most of their batters got starts but couldn’t convert them to a big score, while Wanindu Hasaranga clubbed 59 runs in 52 balls.

Pakistan star Babar Azam once again disappointed his fans with his batting performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, but he grabbed a stunning catch to bring a crucial wicket for Pakistan.

Pakistan set a 300-run target for Sri Lanka in the first game of the three-match home ODI series. Babar Azam scored 29 runs in the first innings of the match, where Pakistan scored 299/5 in 50 overs, as Wanindu Hasaranga bowled him. 

Sri Lanka got solid start before top-order collapse

Chasing down the challenging target, Sri Lankan openers provided a great start with an 85-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka and the ODI debutant Kamil Mishara. However, the fast bowler Haris Rauf then brought the hosts back in the game with three quick wickets, as the visitors suddenly found themselves from 85/0 to 903. But then Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama controlled the situation with a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

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Babar Azam's stunning catch dismissed set Sadeera Samarawickrama

While Pakistan needed another wicket to control the game, Haris Rauf once again provided a breakthrough; however, the complete credit goes to the former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. It was a length ball outside off, while Samarawickrama had a thick outside edge that flew to the slip. Babar was at the first slip, but he had to go for a full dive as his one-hander attempt was successful to bring a crucial wicket for the hosts. Samarawickrama was dismissed for 39 off 48 balls, while Rauf picked his fourth wicket for the night, while Babar put a special mark, as that catch was one of the greatest catches in international cricket this year. 

🚨 Catch of the Year from - Babar Azam ❤️

pic.twitter.com/cGmrDXZWSl

— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) November 11, 2025

That wicket put Pakistan in control of the game, while the visitors Sri Lanka suddenly found themselves under pressure in the big ODI chase.

Babar Azam, the former captain of the Pakistan side, came into the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at home under pressure, having not been able to put up a huge score on the board during their previous series against South Africa. The last century in the 50-over format for Azam came against Nepal during the Asia Cup 2023.

Going into the Sri Lanka series, the expectation was huge from the right-handed and experienced campaigner of Pakistan, who needed to put a huge score on the board. He arrived on the second ball of the fifth over of the first innings after the dismissal of Saim Ayub on six runs. The first few overs were tricky for the right-handed batter, but he opened the account on the 13th delivery.

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His first boundary of the game came during the 17th over, when he presented the full face of the bat to Janith Liyange. But Pakistan kept losing wickets from the other end as they saw the back of Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan, which created incredible pressure on Babar.

Watch: Wanindu Hasaranga bowls out Babar Azam for 29 during PAK vs SL Rawalpindi ODI

On the second ball of the 24th over, Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Babar for 24 runs with the help of three boundaries. It was a beautiful delivery from the mystery spinner as the ball landed outside off and drew the batter forward before spinning viciously to beat the inside edge and break the stumps for 29 runs.

🚨 Just 804 days and 83 innings without a hundred and people easily forget that Coach Mike Hesson recently said, “Babar Azam is not out of form at all; he’s in extremely good form.” 🥶#BabarAzam #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/z3jb3SsWF5

— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) November 11, 2025

Pakistan found themselves under incredible pressure with the wicket at 95/4 in 24 overs. It was the third wicket of the game for Hasaranga, who had some brutal figures of 3/26 in six overs at an economy rate of 4.3.

Babar has overall smashed 6365 runs in 135 innings at an average of nearly 53 and a strike rate of nearly 90 with the help of 19 centuries and 37 half-centuries at the best score of 158 runs. In the South Africa series, the right-handed batter smashed seven, 11, and 27 across three fixtures at an average of 15.

PAK vs SL Match Preview

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the first one-day series match on Tuesday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Green Shirts will be looking to continue their winning streak in this one-day series. Skipper Shaheen Afridi will be expecting that the team can perform well with both bat and ball in the series opener. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be hoping to adjust to the circumstances and put on a good performance in the first one-day international series match. Both teams have played 157 times in one-day cricket history, with Pakistan having a better record with 93 victories to Sri Lanka's 59. One game ended in a tie. In a one-day series played at home in 2019, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 2-0.

PAK vs SL Match Details

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 1st ODI Match, Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2025 

Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 

Date & Time: 11th November 2025 at 02:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

PAK vs SL Venue Stats 

PAK vs SL Pitch Report

The average first innings score at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in ODIs is around 242 runs. New Zealand scored the highest total at the venue, 336 runs for the loss with five wickets against Pakistan in a one-day match in 2023.

PAK vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast for Tuesday's game will be sunny with a gentle breeze.

PAK vs SL Last Five Matches

PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

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PAK vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Layenge, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasranaga, Pramod Madushan 

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Topmost Picks for PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Salman Ali Agha – Salman Ali Agha is the team's leading run-scorer, scoring 556 runs in 14 matches at an average of 42.76 and a strike rate of 90.11.
• Naseem Shah – Naseem Shah is the team's leading wicket-taker, with 16 wickets in 12 matches and an economy of 6.07.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Charith Asalanka – Charith Asalanka is the team's leading run-scorer, scoring 456 runs in 10 matches at an average of 50.66 and a strike rate of 94.40.
• Asitha Fernando – Asitha Fernando is the team's leading wicket-taker, with 22 wickets in 10 matches and an economy of 5.53.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for PAK vs SL Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Kusal Mendis, Babar Azam, Pathum Nissanka, Salman Agha, Wanindu Hasranaga(C), Charith Asalanka, Saim Ayub(VC), Naseem Shah, Dushmantha Chameera, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Mohammad Rizwan, Wanindu Hasranaga

Vice-captain – Saim Ayub, Charith Asalanka

Wicketkeeper – Mohammad Rizwan

PAK vs SL Probable Winners:

Based on their current form, host Pakistan is expected to win the match against Sri Lanka. With players like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Abrar Ahmed in excellent form this year, the team management shall be hoping that the team can maintain their bat and ball performance in this match. Considering the team combination, Pakistan is expected to win this match.

PAK vs SL FAQ