What an absolute rollercoaster of a match! If you ever need a perfect example of how T20 cricket can flip on its head in a matter of moments, this clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is it. Sri Lanka, a team that had been struggling, pulled off a stunning 6-run victory over a red-hot Pakistan side, ending their five-game winning streak right before the final. It all came down to one man holding his nerve when it mattered most.
Key Highlights
- ✓Sri Lanka clinched a nail-biting victory over Pakistan by just six runs.
- ✓Dushmantha Chameera was the undisputed Player of the Match, finishing with incredible figures of 4 for 20.
- ✓Pakistan needed 10 runs in the final over, but Chameera conceded only three to secure the win.
- ✓Pakistan captain Salman Agha fought valiantly with an unbeaten 63, but it wasn't enough.
- ✓With this win, Sri Lanka knocked Zimbabwe out and secured their spot in the tri-series final against Pakistan.
Chameera's Opening Blitz Rocks Pakistan
Pakistan started their chase of 185 feeling pretty confident. The openers were setting up a decent platform, looking to do what Sri Lanka had done earlier and explode in the powerplay. But then, Sri Lanka unleashed their secret weapon: fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera. And what an impact he had.
In a spell that can only be described as devastating, Chameera completely gutted Pakistan's top order. His extra pace beat Sahibzada Farhan for timing, forcing a simple catch to cover. Just two balls later, he trapped the legendary Babar Azam for a second duck in four innings with a ball that kept a bit low. Before the over was even done, another length ball got big on Fakhar Zaman, who could only sky it to midwicket.
In the blink of an eye, Pakistan had lost four wickets in just ten balls, reeling in the powerplay. Chameera’s figures at the end of his second over were a mind-boggling 2-0-3-3. The chase looked dead and buried right then and there. It was a masterclass of pace, precision, and pure intimidation.
The Captain's Stand: Salman Agha's Valiant Fightback
Just when it seemed all hope was lost for the home side, captain Salman Agha walked to the crease. He's not always seen as a quintessential T20 batter, but in this high-pressure situation, his calm demeanor was exactly what Pakistan needed. He started slowly, playing the anchor role to perfection and steadying a sinking ship.
Agha first built a crucial 56-run partnership with Usman Khan, bringing Pakistan back into the game. After Usman fell for 33, Agha knew he had to switch gears. He then joined forces with Mohammad Nawaz for a blistering 70-run stand that came off just 36 balls. Suddenly, the impossible seemed possible again. Agha’s ability to handle spin through the middle overs and then attack the pacers was on full display as he raced to an unbeaten half-century, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive until the very end.
Setting the Stage: Sri Lanka's Batting Power
Let's rewind a bit to how Sri Lanka got to their match-winning total of 184 for 5. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, they actually had a bit of a shaky start, with Salman Mirza bowling Pathum Nissanka early. But that brought Kusal Mendis to the crease, and he, along with opener Kamil Mishara, completely changed the momentum of the innings.
The pair put on a fiery 66-run stand in just 36 balls, taking the attack to the Pakistani bowlers. Mendis was aggressive, scoring 40 runs, but it was Mishara who anchored the innings beautifully, ending with a superb 76 off 48 balls. Even after the partnership was broken, Sri Lanka kept the pressure on with cameos from Janith Liyanage and captain Dasun Shanaka, who added 24 crucial runs in the final two overs to post a really competitive score.
The Final Over: A Masterclass in Pressure Bowling
Alright, let's get back to the heart-stopping finale. Pakistan needed just 10 runs from the final 6 balls. The momentum was entirely with them. Salman Agha, the set batsman, was on strike. The task of defending the total fell to the man who started the demolition: Dushmantha Chameera. What happened next was pure cricketing theatre.
Chameera started with a brilliant leg-cutter that Agha couldn't score off. The next ball was a single, bringing Faheem Ashraf on strike. After a fumbled two runs, Pakistan needed 7 from 3. Then came a moment of high drama: Faheem was given out LBW, but a review showed a big inside edge. However, the missed single during the appeal was costly. Needing 7 from 2, Faheem whipped the next ball to the deep, where Shanaka took a calm, well-judged catch. This was huge, as it kept Agha off strike for the final ball. With 7 needed, Mohammad Wasim Jr. could do nothing against a perfect yorker, and Sri Lanka erupted in celebration.
What This Means for the Final
This wasn't just any win; it had major implications. By securing victory, Sri Lanka officially booked their place in the final, knocking Zimbabwe out of the tournament. More importantly, they’ve shown they are peaking at the perfect time. After a rough start to their tour, they've now won back-to-back games and have found a new level of energy and confidence.
For Pakistan, this loss breaks their impressive winning streak. The question is whether this is just a minor blip or if it will disrupt their momentum heading into the championship game. Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted their failings, saying, "We lost too many wickets in the powerplay, and we also conceded 50-plus in their powerplay. In T20 cricket... you're always chasing the game." This result sets up a tantalizing replay of this very match for the final on Saturday. As Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka said, "We're excited and ready."
Conclusion
In the end, this electrifying T20 contest was defined by one player's sheer brilliance under pressure. While Salman Agha's heroic unbeaten 63 almost scripted a miraculous comeback for Pakistan, it was Dushmantha Chameera's day. His explosive opening spell broke the back of the chase, and his ice-cool final over was a textbook display of death bowling. It was a performance that not only won his team the match but also proved that Sri Lanka is a force to be reckoned with. This incredible game has set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable final.
