A dominant Pakistan ripped through Sri Lanka with ruthless precision, as one batter’s brilliance and one bowler’s mastery exposed the widening gulf between the two sides in a tri-series Sri Lanka cannot seem to survive.
Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by seven wickets, chasing a modest target of 129 on a pitch that offered little comfort to batters. Pakistan finished on 131 for 3 in just 15.3 overs, after Sri Lanka struggled to reach 128 for 7. The win keeps Pakistan unbeaten in the tri-series, while Sri Lanka remain the only winless team with the worst net run rate after suffering two heavy defeats.
Sri Lanka’s innings never truly lifted off. Pakistan’s seamers dominated the powerplay and immediately put pressure on the top order. Kamil Mishara showed early promise with 22 off his first 11 balls, but he misread a slower delivery from Faheem Ashraf and holed out to mid off. After Mishara’s dismissal in the fourth over, Sri Lanka managed just one boundary in the remainder of the powerplay. Moments later, Kusal Mendis was run out attempting an unnecessary second run. Sri Lanka ended the powerplay on a shaky 44 for 2.
The middle overs belonged entirely to Mohammad Nawaz, who delivered a masterclass with figures of 3 for 16 in an unbroken four-over spell. He was almost impossible to score off as he varied his pace and landed each delivery with precision. His third over was the most lethal, first bowling Kusal Perera with a ball that ripped through the gate, then removing Dasun Shanaka with a straight delivery that skidded past the defences. In his final over, he dismissed Kusal Mendis through a brilliant boundary catch by Mohammad Wasim Jr, who flicked the ball up just before stepping over the rope and completed the catch after landing back in play.
Pakistan’s chase was powered entirely by Sahibzada Farhan, who produced the only fluent innings of the match with a blistering 80 not out off 45 balls. By his tenth delivery, he had already struck two fours and a six. Farhan punished the legspinners heavily, taking 23 off 12 balls against Wanindu Hasaranga and 21 off 13 against Viyaskanth. His boundary-hitting came in a broad V from cover to midwicket, and he sealed the match with a straight four off Eshan Malinga. His partnership of 69 with Babar Azam ensured Pakistan cruised without stress.
Sri Lanka did witness a historic moment as legspinner V Viyaskanth, born and raised in Jaffna, made his first major international appearance. He delivered four overs for 0 for 28. Despite cricket’s long presence in the north, decades of conflict prevented many from progressing, making his appearance a significant milestone.
Sri Lanka now face mounting pressure, with two heavy defeats exposing weaknesses in batting, bowling, and execution. Pakistan, meanwhile, sit comfortably atop the table with momentum firmly on their side.
