Post by : Bianca Suleiman
In a gripping contest at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka advanced to the tri-series final, edging out Pakistan by six runs after a tense finish on Thursday night.
Defending a total of 184, Sri Lanka turned to Dushmantha Chameera in a high-pressure situation where Pakistan needed 10 runs from the last six balls, with captain Salman Ali Agha poised on an unbeaten 63. Chameera then showcased his exceptional skill, unleashing a series of pinpoint yorkers that dismissed Faheem Ashraf and effectively quashed Pakistan's hopes, culminating in a total of 178 for 7.
Sri Lanka's dominance was evident as Pakistan faltered to 43 for 4 after Chameera's explosive double-wicket maiden sent Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam packing in the same over. Teen sensation Eshan Malinga followed, dismantling Saim Ayub's stumps, marking another top-order collapse for the home side.
The recovery was led by Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan, who forged a pivotal 56-run partnership that kept the chase alive. Usman's brisk innings of 33, complemented by Mohammad Nawaz's quickfire 27 off 16 balls, breathed new life into Pakistan's innings with a thrilling 70-run partnership for the sixth wicket. However, Nawaz's dismissal with 22 runs needed from 12 balls shifted the game's momentum.
Returning for his final spell, Chameera delivered a stellar performance, ending with 4 wickets for 20 runs, removing Faheem and ensuring that Wasim could only block the final delivery of the match.
Earlier, Sri Lanka's innings was characterized by a stellar 76 from 48 balls by young Kamil Mishara. His innings, adorned with six boundaries and three sixes, established a solid foundation after the early exit of Pathum Nissanka. Mishara's partnership of 66 runs with Kusal Mendis put the pressure firmly on Pakistan.
Even after Mendis was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed, Sri Lanka maintained a brisk scoring rate, with Janith Liyanage's composed 24* and Dasun Shanaka's quick 17 adding valuable runs, propelling the team to 184 for 5. Abrar Ahmed emerged as Pakistan's standout bowler, with figures of 2 for 28, while others struggled on a pitch that favored batsmen.
Despite a positive start to their innings, Pakistan's early batting collapse left a daunting task for the lower order. Salman’s unbeaten knock, showcasing elegant strokes and innovative shot-making, kept the chase alive until the final moments, yet Sri Lanka's execution in the closing overs ultimately decided the outcome.
This hard-fought victory propels Sri Lanka into Saturday’s final, riding high on confidence backed by a formidable bowling attack.
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