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

Pakistan secured the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025/26 title with an impressive six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The Pakistani bowlers chose to play first after winning the toss and dismantled Sri Lanka for just 114 in 19.1 overs, setting up an easy chase that was completed in 18.4 overs. Saim Ayub‘s double impact and Mohammed Nawaz‘s sharp spell proved decisive in this high-stakes nighttime encounter under the spotlight

Due to the exceptional spell of Mohammad Nawaz, Sri Lanka collapses

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, next Pathum Nissanka‘s lively 11 stood out early Shaheen Shah Afridi. The momentum shifted dramatically after the drinks at 81 for 1 in 10 overs, as Muhammad Nawaz unleashed a fiery four-over spell of 17 runs for 3 wickets, being dismissed Where in Mendi (14), Janith Liyanage (0), and Wanindu Hasaranga (5) to cause a collapse

The last eight wickets tumbled for 30 runs, with the fall of wickets accelerating from 84 for 2 (10.3 overs) to all out on 114.Pavan Rathnayake (8) and Kusal Perera (1) to Abra Ahmed, Dasun Shanaka (2) to Shaheen, and tailenders cleared by Salman Mirza and Shaheen’s 3 for 18. Nawaz’s economic run rate of 4.25 and sharp turn took advantage of 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 took Sri Lanka below 120

Also READ: Dushmantha Chameera’s fiery spell takes Sri Lanka to finals of Pakistan T20I Tri-Series

Saim Ayub’s thrilling strike gives Pakistan an impressive victory

Chasing 115, Pakistan earlier navigated the powerplay at 32 for 0 Eshan Malinga beaten, removed Sahibzada Farhan (23 off 22) at 46 for 1 in 7.3 overs. Ayub then unleashed a whopping 36 off 33 balls – peppered with six fours – to take the score to 50 in 7.5 overs and 71 for 1 at the 10-over interval. His lbw departure to Wanindu Hasaranga to 75 for 2 (11.3 overs). Babar Azam (37 not out off 34, with two fours and a six) to the fore, keeping the innings steady amid a successful DRS review. Pavan Rathnayake fought back with 2 for 11, good for Salman Agha (14 off 14) at 98 for 3 (15.3 overs) and Fakhar Zaman (3 off 5) at 104 for 4 (17.1 overs), but Babar and Usman Khan (3 not out) finished the job calmly and guided the hosts home with 8 balls remaining at 118/4.

Also READ: Full T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: India vs Pakistan on February 15