Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 6 runs in a thrilling encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 27, 2025, securing their spot in the T20I Tri-Series final. Kamil Mishara’s brilliant 76 off 48 balls set up the win, while Dushmantha Chameera’s exceptional 4/20 dismantled Pakistan’s top order and defended 10 runs in the final over to seal victory.

Cricket under lights in Rawalpindi has a rhythm of its own — an atmosphere that feels both festive and ferocious. Every floodlit match here carries a sense of theatre. Still, when Pakistan and Sri Lanka walked into the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for the sixth T20I of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025, there was something undeniably different in the air.

For Sri Lanka, the stakes were brutally simple: win or go home. For Pakistan, already strong in the standings, it was an opportunity to assert dominance at home and silence critics who pointed to its inconsistency in finishing tense run-chases.

Match Overview: Sri Lanka Clinch Thriller at Rawalpindi

The sixth match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes in recent T20I history. Sri Lanka, needing a victory to secure their place in the final, rose to the occasion magnificently against a formidable Pakistan side at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

In a must-win encounter, the visiting Sri Lankan side posted a competitive 184/5 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by an exceptional knock from opening batsman Kamil Mishara. The 23-year-old left-hander delivered under pressure, smashing 76 runs off 48 deliveries with six boundaries and three maximums, anchoring his team’s innings with remarkable composure and aggression.​

Pakistan’s chase began positively but quickly unravelled as Dushmantha Chameera produced a devastating spell of fast bowling. The experienced Sri Lankan pacer claimed three wickets in the powerplay, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 43/4 in just 5.2 overs. Despite a valiant fightback led by captain Salman Ali Agha, who remained unbeaten on a career-best 63, Pakistan fell six runs short of the target.

Setting the Stage: A Tri-Series Brimming With Storylines

Before diving into the match itself, it’s worth understanding the broader narrative of this tri-series.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe may seem like uneven competitors on paper, but the format — fast, volatile, and deeply contextual — allowed each team to showcase its strengths and expose its weaknesses.

Pakistan entered the competition as the home favourite, carrying momentum, crowd support, and world-class batting depth. Sri Lanka had been wrestling with rebuilding challenges but showed flashes of brilliance. Zimbabwe came in as the underdog capable of causing damage at unexpected moments.

By the time Match 6 arrived:

• Pakistan topped the table with three wins in four matches.
• Sri Lanka had two wins and desperately needed a third to secure a place in the final.
• Zimbabwe lingered just behind, hoping for a slip-up.

Everything — from qualification to team morale — hinged on this Pakistan vs Sri Lanka battle. Rawalpindi was packed. The floodlights glistened. The Pakistani flags waved in thousands. Sri Lankan supporters were fewer in number but passionate in spirit, waving blue and gold banners with pride.

The narrative felt cinematic before a single ball was bowled.

The Toss: A Subtle but Significant Moment

When Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first, many nodded knowingly. Rawalpindi, in recent years, has favoured chasing sides, especially under dew-heavy night conditions.

But the pitch on this particular night was unusual. Hard, true, and slightly dry — perfect for batting early on but likely to slow down as the game progresses. Pakistan banked on reading conditions better than their opponents, but Sri Lanka saw an opportunity: put a score on the board and squeeze Pakistan under pressure.

This would become one of the underlying tactical layers shaping the match.

Sri Lanka’s Innings: A Story of Fire, Patience & Calculated Risk

Powerplay: A Shaky Start Before Brilliance

The first few overs were tense. Pakistan’s bowlers tried hitting the deck hard, hoping to extract early wickets. Sri Lanka lost an early one, but they didn’t panic. There was a sense of controlled aggression, waiting for the right bowlers to target.

Enter Kamil Mishara.

His innings would define the Sri Lankan total and, perhaps, the entire match. Mishara batted with a rare blend of youthful courage and mature shot selection. Every drive felt elegant. Every pick-up shot carried precision. Every boundary carried intent.

He wasn’t slogging. He was constructing.

Middle Overs: The Mendis–Mishara Show

Partnering with Kusal Mendis, Mishara found rhythm and flow. Together, they stitched a partnership that was as aesthetically pleasing as it was effective.

Mendis smashed 40 runs off just 23 balls, peppering the outfield with boundaries and keeping Pakistan off-balance.
His ability to find gaps early on prevented Sri Lanka from sinking into a conservative shell.

Mishara, meanwhile, continued to accelerate, eventually scoring 76 off 48, sprinkled with six fours and three towering sixes.

With every stroke, he looked like a man playing not just for the scoreboard but for Sri Lanka’s pride.

Death Overs: A Mature Finish

One of the biggest criticisms Sri Lanka has faced in recent years is their inability to finish strong. But in this match, they found an unlikely hero in Janith Liyanage. His unbeaten 24 off 24 balls wasn’t explosive, but it was essential. He rotated strike, supported Mishara, and ensured Sri Lanka didn’t collapse in the final overs.

Thanks to him and Mishara’s earlier acceleration, Sri Lanka reached 184/5, a total that looked both competitive and defendable on the Rawalpindi pitch.

Pakistan’s bowling was largely steady, with Abrar Ahmed claiming 2/28, but they lacked answers to Sri Lanka’s measured aggression.

Pakistan’s Chase: Hope, Momentum & Heartbreak

A Tense Beginning

Pakistan’s chase began with the usual swagger. The crowd roared every time an opener walked to the crease. The first few boundaries ignited optimism. But Sri Lanka planned something different: discipline over theatrics.

Their bowlers stuck to tight lines, mixed pace well, and refused to give Pakistan easy scoring opportunities.

Soon, pressure crept in.

Middle Overs: Pakistan Fight Back

Pakistan’s middle order did what they’re known for — they rebuilt steadily. Boundaries came in clusters. Singles and doubles kept the score moving. At one point, Pakistan seemed fully in control, with the required rate manageable.

But T20 cricket loves drama — and it delivered.

Death Overs: The Chameera Twist

Dushmantha Chameera stepped up under the lights with ice in his veins. Known for his pace but often inconsistent, Chameera produced arguably his most important spell of the series.

He delivered at the death — searing yorkers, smart cutters, and aggressive short balls. Each over-tightened Sri Lanka’s grip.

Pakistan kept fighting — reaching 178/7 — but the target proved six runs too far.

Six runs:
A single shot.
One moment mistimed.
One over-defended.

Cricket is a sport of inches. Rawalpindi witnessed that truth yet again.

Complete Match Scorecard and Analysis

Sri Lanka Innings: 184/5 in 20 Overs

The Sri Lankan batting display was headlined by the impressive partnership between Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis, who added 66 runs for the second wicket after the early dismissal of Pathum Nissanka. Mendis contributed a brisk 40 off 23 balls, striking six boundaries and a maximum before falling to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.​

Mishara continued his assault, reaching his half-century in style with an inside-out six off part-timer Saim Ayub. His partnership with Janith Liyanage added another 57 runs for the fourth wicket, establishing a platform for a strong finish. Captain Dasun Shanaka’s cameo of 17 off 10 balls, along with Liyanage’s unbeaten 24, helped Sri Lanka surpass the 180-run mark in the final two overs.​

Sri Lanka Fall of Wickets:
The wickets fell at regular intervals, but never disrupted Sri Lanka’s momentum completely. Pathum Nissanka departed early at 16/1 in the third over, bowled by a clever slower ball from Salman Mirza. Mendis fell at 82/2 in the ninth over, trapped lbw by Abrar Ahmed, while Kusal Perera struggled and was caught at backward point for 6 at 96/3. Mishara’s dismissal at 153/4 came in the 17th over when he was caught at deep mid-wicket off Abrar.​

Top Performers – Sri Lanka Batting:
Kamil Mishara’s innings of 76 off 48 balls was particularly significant as it marked his sixth fifty in T20 cricket and helped him surpass 1,000 career T20 runs. His strike rate of 158.33 put Pakistan’s bowlers under constant pressure throughout the middle overs.​

Pakistan Bowling Analysis

Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen on a batting-friendly surface. Abrar Ahmed emerged as the most effective bowler, claiming 2/28 in his four overs with his clever variations and leg-spin. However, the remaining bowlers leaked runs at an alarming rate, with Saim Ayub (1/41), Mohammad Wasim (0/9 in 1 over), and Faheem Ashraf (0/37) proving expensive.

Pakistan Innings: 178/7 in 20 Overs

The run chase began explosively, with openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan adding 28 runs in the first three overs. However, Dushmantha Chameera’s double-wicket fourth over changed the complexion of the match entirely. He dismissed Farhan for 9 with a slower ball that found the edge, and then trapped the returning Babar Azam lbw for a two-ball duck.​

Saim Ayub’s promising start ended at 27 when Eshan Malinga bowled him with a delivery that dragged onto the stumps. Chameera struck again in the final over of the powerplay, removing Fakhar Zaman for just 1, leaving Pakistan reeling at 43/4.​

Salman Agha’s Heroic Fightback:
Captain Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan’s recovery with an outstanding innings. He anchored the middle overs with wicketkeeper Usman Khan, adding 56 runs for the fifth wicket. Usman contributed 33 off 23 balls before holing out to Wanindu Hasaranga in the 13th over.​

Mohammad Nawaz then joined Agha for a counter-attacking partnership of 70 runs off just 36 balls. Nawaz’s aggressive 27 off 16 deliveries, including two sixes, brought Pakistan within touching distance of victory. However, his dismissal in the penultimate over, caught at long-off by Hasaranga off Malinga’s bowling, tilted the balance back towards Sri Lanka.​

The Dramatic Final Over:
Requiring 10 runs from the last six deliveries, Pakistan looked to Agha to finish the job. However, Chameera delivered a masterclass in death bowling, conceding just three runs while claiming the wicket of Faheem Ashraf, who was caught at long-on attempting a big shot. Agha was stranded at the non-striker’s end, unable to take the strike when it mattered most.​

Pakistan Fall of Wickets:
The wickets tumbled rapidly in the powerplay: 29/1 (Farhan, 3.4 ov), 29/2 (Babar, 3.6 ov), 38/3 (Saim, 4.4 ov), 43/4 (Fakhar, 5.2 ov). The recovery phase saw 99/5 (Usman, 12.2 ov), before the late collapse at 169/6 (Nawaz, 18.2 ov) and 178/7 (Faheem, 19.5 ov).

Player of the Match: Dushmantha Chameera

Dushmantha Chameera’s spell of 4/20 in four overs ranks among the finest bowling performances in the tournament. His ability to swing the ball both ways in the power play, combined with his accurate yorkers at the death, proved the difference between the two sides.

Captain Dasun Shanaka praised his senior paceman’s contribution: “Proud of how the boys bounced back. Everybody contributed… Of course, the Chameera exhibited world-class bowling.” Chameera’s figures of 3-3 in the powerplay set the tone, and his composure in defending 10 runs in the final over demonstrated remarkable nerve under pressure.

Babar Azam’s Struggles Continue

Pakistan’s former captain Babar Azam endured another disappointing outing, falling for a second-ball duck. This dismissal marked his 10th duck in T20 Internationals, equaling the unwanted record held jointly by Umar Akmal and Saim Ayub for the most ducks by a Pakistani batsman in the format.​

Babar’s tournament statistics paint a concerning picture: 90 runs in four matches at an average of 22.5 and a strike rate of 113.92. While he had recently broken an 83-innings century drought in ODI cricket against Sri Lanka, his T20I form remains a significant concern for the Pakistan team management heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Series Context and Points Table

The 2025Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka T20I Tri-Nation Series serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament features Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, playing in a double round-robin format at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 18-29, 2025.

Final Points Table:

Position	Team	Matches	Won	Lost	Points	NRR
1	Pakistan	4	3	1	6	+1.440
2	Sri Lanka	4	2	2	4	-0.901
3	Zimbabwe	4	1	3	2	-0.522

Pakistan had entered the match having already secured its spot in the final through three consecutive victories. However, this defeat prevented them from completing an unbeaten run through the group stage. Sri Lanka’s victory edged out Zimbabwe, who finished with the same number of points but an inferior net run rate.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Venue Profile

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, established in 1992, has become one of Pakistan’s premier cricket venues. With a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators, the stadium has hosted international cricket more frequently since 2019, including World Cup fixtures and Champions Trophy matches.​

Venue Statistics for T20 Cricket:
The stadium has demonstrated a clear advantage for teams batting second in T20 matches. Teams bowling first have won 6 out of 8 completed T20 matches at the venue, representing a 75% success rate for chasing sides. The average first innings score stands at 130-138 runs, while the average second innings score reaches 147-148 runs.​

Pitch Characteristics:
The Rawalpindi pitch offers good bounce and carry, allowing batsmen to play shots freely once they settle in. Fast bowlers tend to find early assistance with the new ball, particularly under floodlights when conditions favour swing. However, dew becomes a significant factor in the second innings, making the ball skid onto the bat and reducing grip for bowlers.

Head-to-Head Record: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in T20Is

The rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in T20 cricket spans 25 matches, with Pakistan holding a commanding 15-10 advantage. However, recent form suggests a more competitive contest, with Sri Lanka winning three of the last five encounters between the two nations.​

In matches played in Pakistan, Sri Lanka has performed admirably, winning 4 out of 7 T20Is on Pakistani soil. Under Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy, Pakistan had previously won all T20I matches against Sri Lanka before this defeat, making the loss even more significant for the home side.​

The two teams had met earlier in this tri-series (Match 3), where Pakistan secured a convincing seven-wicket victory. Sahibzada Farhan’s career-best unbeaten 80 off 45 balls had powered Pakistan to the target with 27 balls to spare, while Mohammad Nawaz claimed 3/16 to restrict Sri Lanka to 128/7.

Key Player Profiles

Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s left-arm orthodox spinner Mohammad Nawaz has emerged as a crucial component of the national team’s bowling attack. At 31 years old, Nawaz has transformed from an inconsistent performer to what Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson described as “the best spinner in the world.”​

In the ongoing tri-series, Nawaz claimed seven wickets in the group stage at an exceptional average of 8.42, making him the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. His all-round capabilities were highlighted in September 2025 when he took his first five-wicket haul in T20Is, including a hat-trick against Afghanistan, bowling them out for 66.​

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka’s leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga remains one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. The 27-year-old is Sri Lanka’s all-time leading T20I wicket-taker with 131 dismissals and became the fastest bowler to claim 300 wickets in men’s T20 cricket, achieving the feat in just 208 matches.​

Currently ranked No. 4 in the ICC Men’s T20I bowling rankings, Hasaranga claimed 1/27 in the match, dismissing the dangerous Usman Khan at a crucial juncture. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a vital asset for Sri Lanka heading into the final.​

Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

Pathum Nissanka made history earlier in the tournament by becoming Sri Lanka’s all-time highest run-scorer in T20Is. With 2,326 runs in 77 T20I fixtures, he surpassed Kusal Perera’s previous record of 2,305 runs.​

The 26-year-old opening batsman averages 32.30 in T20Is with a strike rate of 126.89, having scored 18 fifties and a century in the format. His blistering 98 off 58 balls against Zimbabwe in Match 5 kept Sri Lanka’s tournament hopes alive.

2026 T20 World Cup Implications

This tri-series serves as vital preparation for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. All three participating teams—Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe—have already secured their qualification for the tournament through various pathways.​

Pakistan qualified directly as one of the top seven teams from the 2024 T20 World Cup, while Sri Lanka earned automatic qualification as co-hosts. Zimbabwe secured their place through the Africa regional qualifiers.​

The tournament provides an opportunity for these teams to test combinations, identify form players, and build momentum heading into the global event. For Pakistan, addressing their top-order inconsistencies remains a priority, while Sri Lanka will look to build on the confidence gained from their impressive fightback in this series.

Conclusion

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Tri-Series 2025 has delivered exciting cricket, memorable performances, and thrilling finishes. Sri Lanka’s six-run victory in Match 6 epitomised the competitive nature of the tournament, with momentum swinging between both teams throughout the contest.

As the teams prepare for the final on November 29, cricket fans worldwide can anticipate another absorbing encounter between two proud cricketing nations. The combination of Pakistan’s batting firepower and Sri Lanka’s bowling prowess promises a fitting conclusion to an entertaining tournament.

Whether you’re following the live score updates, watching the broadcast, or reading post-match analysis, the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Tri-Series final at Rawalpindi promises to deliver drama, excitement, and world-class cricket.