From the moment the match began, both captains agreed on one thing: the surface was a 160-run wicket at best. Sri Lanka, forced to bat first, initially defied those predictions. With Kamil Mishara striking confidently, they looked set for a total in the region of 160 or 170. But the evening took a stunning turn once Pakistan’s spinners took charge.
The middle overs belonged entirely to Pakistan. Mohammad Nawaz led the way with superb rhythm and variations that proved too difficult for Sri Lanka’s middle order. One wicket brought another; momentum shifted sharply, and within a short span Sri Lanka’s innings unravelled. From a promising platform, they crashed to 114 all out—a total that looked distinctly underwhelming.
Yet Pakistan soon realised that even a modest chase required care on such a spin-friendly pitch. A couple of tidy overs from Sri Lanka’s spinners induced mild pressure, but Babar Azam’s calm presence settled nerves. His unbeaten 37 off 34 balls was an exhibition of controlled batting—rotating the strike, punishing the occasional loose delivery and ensuring no unnecessary risks. Pakistan eventually crossed the line in 18.4 overs.
Nawaz had hinted during the break that the surface held plenty for the slower bowlers, and his words proved prophetic. His figures—3 for 17 in four overs—were the foundation of Pakistan’s dominance. Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub provided perfect support, combining tight lines with sharp turn to restrict Sri Lanka to a crawl.
Among Pakistan’s top order, Sahibzada Farhan chipped in with 23 off 22 balls, while his partner added 36 off 33. Captain Salman Agha contributed 14. Rathnayake (2 for 11) and Hasaranga (1 for 31) were Sri Lanka’s main threats with the ball, but they lacked the backing their Pakistani counterparts enjoyed.
Mishara’s 59 from 47 was the lone bright spot for Sri Lanka, though ultimately not enough to prevent Pakistan from celebrating a well-deserved title triumph.
