Saim Ayub’s all-round brilliance and Mohammad Nawaz’s fiery spell propel Pakistan to T20I Tri-Series title against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan got the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series Title 2025/26 with a resounding six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. By choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistani bowlers were dismantled Sri Lanka for just 114 in 19.1 overs, setting up a single chase completed in 18.4 overs. Saim Ayubthe double impact and Mohammad NawazThe incisive spell proved decisive in this high-stakes nighttime encounter under the spotlight.​

Mohammad Nawaz’s exceptional fate collapses Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka raced to 56 for 1 in the powerplay, powered by Kamil Mishara‘s aggressive 59 off 47 balls, including two fours and four sixes, after Pathum NissankaThe fast 11 fell early to Shaheen Shah Afridi. The momentum changed dramatically after drinks at 81 for 1 in 10 overs, as Mohammad Nawaz unleashed a fiery spell of four for 17 runs for 3 wickets, dismissing Where in Mendi (14), Janith Liyanage (0), and Wanindu Hasaranga (5) trigger a collapse.​

The last eight wickets fell for 30 runs, with the fall of wickets accelerating from 84 for 2 (10.3 overs) to 114—Pavan Rathnayake (8) and Kusal Perera (1) to Abrar Ahmed, Dasun Shanaka (2) to Shaheen, and the tails cleaned by Salman Mirza and Shaheen’s 3 for 18. Nawaz’s economical run rate of 4.25 and sharp turn exploited the Rawalpindi surface, while Ayub chipped in with 1 for 17, including Mishara’s catch off his bowling. Extras added 13, but Pakistan’s collective effort restricted Sri Lanka below 120.​

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Saim Ayub’s stinging strike propels Pakistan to resounding victory

Chasing 115, Pakistan cruised to a powerplay of 32 for 0 before Eshan Malinga struck, removing Sahibzada Farhan (23 from 22) at 46 for 1 in 7.3 overs. Ayub then unleashed a total of 36 off 33 balls, laced with six fours, to propel the score to 50 in 7.5 overs and 71 for 1 at the 10-drink interval. His departure in weight for Wanindu Hasaranga at 75 for 2 (11.3 overs) brought Babar Azam (37 not out from 34, with two fours and a six) to the fore, stabilizing the innings amid a successful DRS review. Pavan Rathnayake countered with 2 out of 11, representing Salman Agha (14 off 14) at 98 for 3 (15.3 overs) and Fakhar Zaman (3 from 5) at 104 for 4 (17.1 overs), but Babar and Ousman Khan (3 not out) finished the job calmly and guided the hosts home with 8 balls remaining at 118/4.

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