Pakistan crowned tri-series T20 champions after another Sri Lanka batting collapse

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Pakistan were crowned T20 tri-series champions after comprehensively defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final in Rawalpindi.

Put in to bat, Sri Lanka began promisingly despite Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissing Pathum Nissanka (11) early on.

Kamil Mishra (59) attempted to anchor the innings, but a stunning collapse at the other end saw Sri Lanka lose nine wickets for just 30 runs as Pakistan’s spinners put the squeeze on, bowling them out for just 114.

Mohammad Nawaz (3-17) and Abrar Ahmed (2-18) were particularly effective through the middle, while Afridi returned to clean up the tail and complete his three-wicket haul.

With a middling score in front of them, Pakistan’s chase was measured and controlled throughout, with opening pair Sahibzada Farhan (23) and Saim Ayub (36) setting the tone with a 46-run stand.

Despite a late scare as Salman Agha and Fakhar Zaman were dismissed cheaply, Babar Azam shepherded Pakistan home with plenty of time to spare, finishing 37 not out.

Data Debrief: Another night to forget for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will want to forget Saturday’s final as quickly as possible. The visitors looked set for an imposing first innings score before collapsing from 84-2 to 114 all out – losing nine wickets for 30 runs.

Remarkably, this is not unfamiliar territory for Sri Lanka, who have now been at the front of three highly notable batting collapses in T20Is.

Saturday’s collapse mirrors one they suffered against India in Pallekele in 2024, where they also lost nine wickets for just 30 runs. They also imploded similarly against Australia in Colombo in 2022, where they dropped nine wickets for just 28 runs.