Cricket fans in Pakistan are still buzzing from the electric atmosphere at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the home team wrapped up a dominant year in style. On Saturday evening, Pakistan edged out Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025, chasing down a modest target of 115 with eight balls to spare. This victory not only lifted the trophy but also capped off an unbeaten run in white-ball cricket for the month, leaving supporters dreaming big ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. What started as a routine defence turned into a masterclass in composure, with Babar Azam anchoring the chase like the seasoned pro he is.
The Road to the Final: A Tournament of Twists and Turns
The Pakistan T20I Tri-Series, featuring hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, kicked off on November 18 with high hopes all around. It was part of a packed schedule for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who had just wrapped up a gruelling ODI series where Pakistan swept 3-0. For Sri Lanka, coming off a tough Asia Cup campaign and a home loss to Bangladesh, this tri-series was a chance to rebuild momentum as co-hosts of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan entered as favourites, fresh from a 2-1 T20I series win over South Africa. Their league stage was nearly flawless: a five-wicket thriller against Zimbabwe on opening day (chasing 148 in 19.2 overs), followed by a commanding chase against Sri Lanka in the third match. But the real drama unfolded in the later stages. Sri Lanka, after back-to-back losses, roared back with a nine-wicket demolition of Zimbabwe on November 25—Pathum Nissanka’s blistering 98 not out off 58 balls sealed a chase of 147 in just 16.2 overs. Then came the blockbuster on November 27: Sri Lanka posted 184/5, thanks to fireworks from Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis, and held their nerve in a tense finish to win by six runs. Dushmantha Chameera’s clutch final over—conceding just three runs—snuffed out Pakistan’s chase at 178/7, booking Sri Lanka’s spot in the final.
Pakistan, meanwhile, had already qualified but used the loss as fuel. Their bowlers, led by Mohammad Nawaz (7 wickets in the tournament at an economy of 6.07), had been the standout performers, triggering collapses when it mattered most.
| Match | Date | Result | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st: ZIM vs PAK | Nov 18 | PAK won by 5 wkts (T:148, 19.2 ov) | Fakhar Zaman (quick 50) |
| 2nd: ZIM vs SL | Nov 20 | ZIM won by 67 runs (SL 95 all out) | Rayyan Pathan (3/15) |
| 3rd: SL vs PAK | Nov 22 | PAK won by 7 wkts (T:160, 18.3 ov) | Mohammad Nawaz (3/22) |
| 4th: PAK vs ZIM | Nov 24 | PAK won by 8 wkts (T:124, 13.1 ov) | Saim Ayub (unbeaten 62) |
| 5th: ZIM vs SL | Nov 25 | SL won by 9 wkts (T:147, 16.2 ov) | Pathum Nissanka (98*) |
| 6th: SL vs PAK | Nov 27 | SL won by 6 runs (PAK 178/7) | Dushmantha Chameera (4/38) |
| Final: PAK vs SL | Nov 29 | PAK won by 6 wkts (T:115, 18.4 ov) | Babar Azam (37*) |
This table captures the rollercoaster—Sri Lanka’s resilience in the must-win clashes propelled them forward, while Pakistan’s depth shone through.
Final Showdown: Pakistan’s Bowling Wizardry Sets the Tone
The final on November 29 was billed as a clash of styles: Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack versus Sri Lanka’s explosive top order. Captain Salman Agha won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that paid dividends almost immediately. Sri Lanka, buoyed by their semi-final heroics, started steadily at 84/1 after 12 overs, with Kamindu Mendis stroking a fluent 59. But then the collapse—familiar territory for the Lankans this year—unfolded spectacularly.
Mohammad Nawaz, the tournament’s MVP with his all-round exploits, sparked the slide with 3/17, including the vital scalp of Mendis. Shaheen Afridi chimed in with 3/18, his express pace troubling the lower order, while mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and debutant Usman Tariq added to the misery. From 84/1, Sri Lanka lost their last nine wickets for just 30 runs, crumbling to 114 all out in 19.5 overs. It was a stark reminder of their batting frailties, having suffered similar meltdowns in the Asia Cup Super Fours.
On social media, the moment went viral. Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistan pacer, tweeted: “Nawaz is gold! That spell changes games. Proud of this bowling unit—spin and pace in harmony.” Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s official account posted a gracious nod: “Tough luck for Sri Lanka. Pakistan clinch the game by 6 wickets and seal the Tri-Nation Series. 🇱🇰 #SLvPAK #SriLankaCricket.”
The Chase: Babar’s Calm Hand Guides Pakistan Home
Chasing 115 on a pitch that offered turn and variable bounce, Pakistan lost early wickets—Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub departed after a 46-run opening stand—but Babar Azam steadied the ship. The former captain, under a bit of scrutiny after a lean patch, played the anchor role to perfection, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 34 balls. His partnerships with Fakhar Zaman (quick 20) and Salman Agha (18*) ensured no panic set in, as Pakistan reached 118/4 in 18.4 overs.
Fakhar, known for his aggressive cameos in finals (averaging 41 at a strike rate of 152 against Sri Lanka), couldn’t quite explode but chipped in steadily. Salman Agha, in post-match comments, summed it up: “It was a great performance from us. We played South Africa and Sri Lanka in both ODIs and T20Is, and we want to continue doing well. Before a mega event, you always want your 15 players fully ready.”
Sri Lanka’s spinners, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana (who had starred in earlier games with 2/23 each against Zimbabwe), couldn’t find the same grip. Hasaranga, wicketless and expensive, later reflected on X: “Credit to Pakistan—they outplayed us today. We’ll learn and come back stronger for the World Cup prep.” (Paraphrased from series previews highlighting his form.)
The win marked Pakistan’s 21st T20I victory in 2025—the most in a calendar year since their format debut in 2006. As the team lifted the trophy, fireworks lit up Rawalpindi, and the crowd chanted “Babar! Babar!” It was a fitting end to a series where Pakistan bossed the conditions, blending youth like Saim Ayub with experience.
November Glory: Pakistan’s Unbeaten White-Ball Rampage
This tri-series triumph is just the cherry on top of an extraordinary month for Pakistan cricket. From drawing the Test series against World Test Championship holders South Africa to sweeping the ODIs 2-1 and T20Is 2-1, then whitewashing Sri Lanka 3-0 in ODIs, clinching the Rising Stars Asia Cup, and even winning the Hong Kong Super Sixes—it’s been a dream run. As one fan tweeted from @RealGoat56: “An unbelievable November for Pakistan cricket. Alhamdullillah 🇵🇰.”
The Express Tribune captured the sentiment: “Pakistan clinched the Tri-nation T20I series with a solid six-wicket win… extending their tally of T20I victories in 2025 to 21.” Sportstar added: “Pakistan beats Sri Lanka by six wickets,” emphasizing the ease of the chase.
For Sri Lanka, it’s a mixed bag. Their bowlers showed fight—Chameera’s 4/38 in the semi-final was heroic—but the batting needs work. Donating series earnings to flood victims back home was a classy touch, as noted by Times of India: “A gesture that goes well beyond the game.”
Looking Ahead: World Cup Dreams and Rival Rivalries
As 2025 draws to a close, Pakistan heads into 2026 with clarity—Salman Agha mentioned a settled core of 15 for the World Cup. Their tour to Sri Lanka early next year will be the next chapter in this rivalry, where the teams have split 26 T20Is almost evenly (Pakistan 15-11).
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will reflect on flashes of brilliance like Nissanka’s ton and Hasaranga’s all-round threat. Both sides know the road to the World Cup—co-hosted by Sri Lanka and beyond—will test these lessons.
What a ride it’s been. Pakistan’s fans are riding high, and rightly so. Here’s to more such nights under the Rawalpindi lights.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025?
Pakistan won the tri-series by defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final on November 29, 2025, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
What was the final match score?
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 114 in 19.5 overs. Pakistan chased down the target in 18.4 overs, finishing at 118/4 with 8 balls remaining.
Who was the Player of the Match in the final?
Mohammad Nawaz was named Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round performance: 3/17 with the ball and a crucial contribution in the chase.
Who was the Player of the Series?
Mohammad Nawaz was also awarded Player of the Series for taking the most wickets (10) and scoring valuable runs throughout the tournament.
How many teams participated in the tri-series, and what was the format?
Three teams participated: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. It was a double round-robin format followed by a final between the top two teams. Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified for the final.
