The stage was set for a high-stakes encounter as Pakistan faced Sri Lanka in the sixth and final league match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 at the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, November 27. With the floodlights illuminating the Pindi ground and fans buzzing in anticipation, the stakes couldn’t have been higher—especially for Sri Lanka, whose hopes for a spot in the final hung by a thread.
Paksitan, led by the composed and tactically sharp Salman Agha, entered the match with their confidence riding high. The hosts had already booked their place in the final, boasting an unbeaten record with three wins in as many games. Their most recent triumph, a commanding 69-run victory over Zimbabwe, only underscored their dominance in the tournament. For Agha and his squad, this fixture was more than just a formality; it was a golden opportunity to fine-tune their combinations and maintain momentum ahead of the grand finale scheduled for November 29 at the same venue.
On the flip side, Sri Lanka, captained by the experienced Dasun Shanaka, found themselves in a do-or-die situation. The Lankans had endured a rocky start to the tri-series, suffering three consecutive defeats—two at the hands of Pakistan and Zimbabwe, and a particularly stinging seven-wicket loss to Pakistan in their previous group stage encounter on November 22. However, their fortunes took a turn when they notched a resounding nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe, powered by a phenomenal unbeaten 98 from opener Pathum Nissanka. That victory kept their campaign alive, but with the worst net run rate (NRR) of the three teams at -1.324, the odds were stacked against them. Only a win against the hosts would guarantee their passage to the final, while a loss would see Zimbabwe, who had won just one of their four matches, sneak into the decider.
The tension was palpable as the toss approached at 6 pm IST. Salman Agha called correctly and, without hesitation, elected to bowl first—a decision that reflected both confidence in his bowling attack and a desire to chase under the lights. The first ball was scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, and cricket fans across the subcontinent were glued to their screens, eager to witness the drama unfold. While viewers in India could catch the live action on the Sony Sports Network and stream it via the FanCode app and website, some platforms like the YouTube channel Sports TV also provided free access, ensuring no fan missed out on the action.
Team news ahead of the match revealed that Pakistan stuck with their tried-and-tested lineup: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (captain), Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, and Usman Tariq. The blend of youth and experience, with stars like Babar Azam and the explosive Fakhar Zaman, gave the hosts enviable batting depth.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, fielded a side brimming with talent and determination: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Eshan Malinga. The spotlight was firmly on Nissanka after his heroics against Zimbabwe, while the versatile Hasaranga and the fiery Chameera were expected to play pivotal roles with ball in hand.
For Pakistan, the match represented a chance to maintain their perfect record and continue their psychological edge over Sri Lanka. Historically, the hosts had the upper hand in T20I clashes, boasting 15 wins to Sri Lanka’s 10 before this fixture. “We’re just focusing on our process and not getting ahead of ourselves,” Salman Agha had remarked earlier in the series, emphasizing the importance of consistency and discipline. That mindset had served Pakistan well, with their bowlers and batsmen firing in unison throughout the tournament.
Sri Lanka, though, were in no mood to bow out quietly. Skipper Dasun Shanaka rallied his troops, reminding them of the opportunity to avenge their earlier defeat and keep their championship hopes alive. “We know what’s at stake and we’re ready to give it everything,” Shanaka was quoted as saying in the pre-match build-up. The Lankans’ resurgence against Zimbabwe had injected new life into their campaign, and fans wondered if they could pull off a dramatic turnaround against the hosts.
The wider context of the match added further intrigue. With Zimbabwe’s fate hanging in the balance, their players and supporters watched nervously, hoping Pakistan would continue their winning ways and pave the way for Zimbabwe’s entry into the final. It was a classic case of one team’s destiny being decided by the outcome of a match they weren’t even playing—a reminder of the unpredictable, interconnected nature of tournament cricket.
As the first ball was bowled under the Rawalpindi lights, both teams knew the margin for error was razor-thin. For Pakistan, the focus was on execution and maintaining their unbeaten streak. For Sri Lanka, it was about seizing the moment, overcoming adversity, and writing a new chapter in their storied rivalry with the hosts.
While the match was still in progress at press time, early exchanges hinted at a fiercely contested battle. Pakistan’s bowlers looked to exploit the conditions and put pressure on Sri Lanka’s top order, while the visitors banked on Nissanka and Mendis to lay a solid foundation. Every run, wicket, and tactical move carried enormous weight, with the prospect of a final berth on the line.
Regardless of the outcome, the sixth match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 had already delivered on drama, skill, and high-stakes cricket. As fans awaited the final result, one thing was certain: Rawalpindi had once again proven itself as a fitting stage for cricketing spectacle, and the journey to the final was as thrilling as ever.
