Eman 
ZeeaK 
Pakistan Survives Run-Fest: Hosts Edge Sri Lanka in High-Scoring T20I Thriller
The Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 delivered an absolute cracker of a contest in its third match, with Pakistan securing a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. After a formidable total was posted, the match was decided by a mid-innings collapse and an aggressive Pakistani chase.
Innings 1: Sri Lanka Posts Challenging Total
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, successfully capitalizing on the excellent Rawalpindi pitch conditions. The innings was characterized by several quick, crucial starts from the top order:
- Kamil Mishara launched the innings with an entertaining 22 off 12 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes before falling to a slower ball from Faheem Ashraf.
- The middle order maintained the momentum, with Kusal Perera contributing 25 and Pathum Nissanka adding 17.
- However, the aggressive pace led to wickets. Spinner Mohammad Nawaz proved highly effective, breaching the defense of Perera and captain Dasun Shanaka (for a golden duck) in successive deliveries, triggering a middle-order wobble.
- Janith Liyanage anchored the final overs with a crucial 41 runs off 38 balls, helping push the score to 128/7.
- The Pakistani spinners performed well, with Mohammad Nawaz (3/16) and Salman Mirza (1/26) leading the control, preventing Sri Lanka from crossing the 130-run mark.
Innings 2: Sahibzada and Saim Blitz the Target
Chasing 129, Pakistan’s response was explosive and utterly dominant. They wasted no time in securing the target, completing the chase with 27 balls remaining.
- Explosive Start: Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub set a rapid pace, smashing 53 runs in the Powerplay to effectively end the contest early.
- Farhan’s Dominance: Sahibzada Farhan was the star, batting aggressively for a massive 80 runs off just 45 balls, an innings highlighted by six maximums.
- Consolidating the Win: Though Babar Azam was dismissed cheaply (16) and Captain Salman Agha went for a duck, the early momentum created by the openers was too much to overcome.
- The Finish: Wicketkeeper Usman Khan (5*) guided the team across the line, securing the commanding seven-wicket win. Dushmantha Chameera was the only Sri Lankan bowler to claim multiple wickets (2/29).
Match Summary
| Team | Score (Overs) | Result |
| Sri Lanka | 128/7 (20.0) | Lost by 7 wickets |
| Pakistan | 131/3 (15.3) | Won the match |
For live scores and series analysis, visit the ultimate cricket destination: www.crickethighlights.online
Image Credits : Cricket Highlights 2
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