The clash started when Pakistan opted to play first on a spin-friendly pitch. With Shaheen Afridi returning from injury and a balanced attack featuring Abrar Ahmed, Nawaz and Saim Ayub, Pakistan looked to exploit the conditions. Sri Lanka, unchanged from their must-win match against Pakistan two days earlier, hoped their spinners and in-form batsman Kamil Mishara would propel them to a strong total.
Sri Lanka started well despite losing Pathum Nissanka early to a slower ball from Shaheen. Mishara continued his excellent form and smashed 17 runs off Salman Mirza in the final of the powerplay. Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis took Sri Lanka to a strong 84 for 1 in the 11th.
The collapse started when Mendis was dismissed by Nawaz, after which the island nation lost nine wickets for just 30 runs. Nawaz took three wickets, removing Mendis, Liyanage and Hasaranga, while Saim Ayub dismissed the well-placed Mishara for 59. Abrar Ahmed scored a chip by removing Perera and Rathnayake in quick succession. Ace pacer, Shaheen, returned to bowl out the lower order and finished with three wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 114 in 19.1 overs.
During Pakistan’s chase, Sahibzada Farhan and Ayub were witnessed adding 46 for the first wicket. Farhan fell for 23 but Ayub continued his form before being trapped for 36 by Hasaranga. Babar Azam then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 37 off 34. Small partnerships with Salman Agha and Fakhar Zaman caused no further problems, and with eight balls to spare, Babar cut Chameera for four to seal the win.
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