Sri Lanka survived a nail biting finish as Dushmantha Chameera delivered a stunning final over, defending ten runs and crushing Pakistanโs late surge to secure a six run victory and a place in the final.
Sri Lanka 184 for 5 (Mishara 76, Mendis 40, Abrar 2-28) beat Pakistan 178 for 7 (Salman 63, Usman 33, Chameera 4-20, Malinga 2-54) by six runs
Dushmantha Chameera held his nerve when it mattered the most, producing a clinical last over that denied Salman Ali Agha the chance to complete Pakistanโs chase. With Pakistan needing ten off the last six balls in a tense finish, Chameera conceded only three runs and delivered his best under pressure, sealing a six run win in a crucial 184 run defense. His effort capped off a brilliant performance that began with three top order wickets earlier in the match.
Sri Lanka entered the game knowing a defeat would hand Zimbabwe a spot in the final. That sense of urgency fueled a performance filled with intent, energy and confidence. Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara provided the spark with a blazing 66 run stand off 36 balls. Mishara dominated the innings with 76 off 48 deliveries, while quick contributions from the middle order pushed Sri Lanka to a competitive 184, a total built through attacking strokes, smart strike rotation and pressure on Pakistanโs bowlers.
From the very first over of Pakistanโs chase, Chameera disrupted the rhythm of the top order with pace and accuracy. Pakistan were shaken early as three wickets fell inside his first two overs. At 43 for 4, the chase looked broken. But captain Salman Ali Aghaโs unbeaten fifty revived Pakistanโs hopes, showcasing his calm approach against spin and his ability to hit boundaries at key moments. His partnership of 56 with Usman Khan brought the game back to life, and later Mohammad Nawaz lifted Pakistanโs chances further with clean hitting that changed the equation.
When Nawaz lifted a cover drive for six, reducing the target to ten off the final over, Pakistan looked poised to finish the job. But Chameera answered with precision. He removed Faheem Ashraf, delivered two cutters to disrupt rhythm and unleashed three toe crushing yorkers that closed the contest. Those deliveries, backed by composure and clarity, denied Pakistan any room to swing freely. Sri Lankaโs celebrations erupted as the hosts fell short with the skipper stranded at the non strikerโs end for most of the last overs.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had the perfect start when Salman Mirza removed Pathum Nissanka. But once Mendis targeted Faheem Ashraf in the fourth over, momentum shifted decisively. Mendis smashed three boundaries for 16 runs. Mohammad Wasim suffered next when he was taken for 15 in the final over of the powerplay. Even Pakistanโs attempt to spread the field could not control the run flow as Mishara and Mendis continued to find gaps. Nawazโs introduction in the eighth over did little to help as he was struck for a four and a six. The 60 runs added in the next five overs helped Sri Lanka build a total that proved vital.
For Pakistan, Salmanโs knock highlighted his potential in T20Is. His steady start and acceleration while handling spin kept the innings alive. He later punished pace by taking on Dasun Shanaka and smashing Eshan Malinga for six, keeping Pakistan in the chase. Yet, Sri Lankaโs strategy of keeping him off strike late in the match proved decisive. His unbeaten effort was overshadowed by a finish that slipped away in the final over.
Chameeraโs brilliance defined the night. Even after conceding 14 in his third over, he returned with full control at the death. Those final yorkers shut the door, gave him figures of 4 for 20 and sent Sri Lanka into the final with renewed belief.
