- Pakistan have been dominant all tri-series; Sri Lanka arrive at peak form
- Mohammad Nawaz and Dushmantha Chameera likely to be decisive factors
- Cold and dry Rawalpindi conditions could influence toss and strategy
After nearly 20 days of inconsistency, Sri Lanka are just one win away from lifting the tri-series trophy against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. The visitors endured a rough start, losing all three ODIs against Pakistan and suffering a heavy defeat to Zimbabwe, but have surged back with victories in their final two group games, including a thrilling last-over win over Pakistan. Their momentum heading into the final gives them a real chance to convert a turbulent tour into a memorable triumph.
Pakistan, on the other hand, enter the final as favourites, buoyed by a dominant unbeaten run in T20 cricket this year. With a near-flawless record of 28 wins from 42 matches since the PSL 2025, they have showcased depth and experience against a variety of opponents. While Sri Lanka will challenge their supremacy, Pakistan will rely on the collective strength of their batting and bowling to secure another title.
The spotlight will fall on Mohammad Nawaz and Dushmantha Chameera. Nawaz has been instrumental with both bat and ball, scoring at a strike rate of 162.5 and taking seven wickets at an economy of 6.07, making him the tri-series’ joint-top wicket-taker. Chameera, meanwhile, has bowled one of the T20I performances of the year, including a masterful four-wicket haul and a death-over yorker display, giving Sri Lanka hope to trouble Pakistan’s batting line-up.
Team news suggests Pakistan will bring back Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed, adding firepower to their bowling attack, while Sri Lanka are unlikely to change their winning combination from the last two games. The line-ups read as follows:
Pakistan probable xi: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (C), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka probable xi: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (C), Pavan Ratnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga
The Rawalpindi pitch and cold, dry conditions are expected to offer an even contest, with dew likely influencing the second innings, prompting teams to favour bowling first if they win the toss. Past finals statistics provide context: Sri Lanka have won three of five T20I finals, while Fakhar Zaman’s record in big matches remains impressive, though he famously fell for a golden duck against Sri Lanka in the 2022 Asia Cup final.
As the tri-series reaches its climax, the clash promises a fascinating battle of form, experience, and skill. Pakistan will look to cap a remarkable tour with silverware, while Sri Lanka aim to end a challenging year on the highest note possible.
