HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan 2025, 3 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the second inning! The umpires have paved their way to the middle and so are the players of Sri Lanka. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub will be opening for Pakistan. Dushmantha Chameera gets the job to start with the new ball. Away we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Both the batters anchored well, but when the game entered the death overs, Wanindu Hasaranga started opening his arm to hit big, but couldn't get the better of the bowlers. With having a target off 129 on the board. Pakistan batters should be able to reach the target, but you never know. A couple of early wickets and the Lankans will be right back to hold the grasp of the game.

Mohammad Nawaz is up for a chat. He says that the pitch looks good. Reckons that it's looking good and should yield an easy total. He attributes his success to maintaining a consistent line and length, which allowed him to get natural variation from the pitch. He kept his plan simple, focusing on line and length, and adapted to the game situation. Initially, when the batsmen were playing shots in the first two overs, he thought the total would be around 180-190. He believes the pitch isn't bad and that his team bowled well, so if they can bat well, they should be fine.

The top-order batters approached their innings with a touch of caution. However, after a few overs, as they began to find their rhythm, Pakistan struck decisively by claiming an early wicket that broke the opening partnership. From that point onward, the hosts effectively denied the visitors any chance to build substantial partnerships. Sri Lanka found themselves at 78 for half men down in the pavilion by the 12th over, but Janith Liyanage rose to the occasion, ably supported by the in-form Wanindu Hasaranga.

Sri Lanka has managed to score only 128 runs, and the credit goes entirely to the outstanding Pakistan bowlers. They operated cohesively and effectively to restrict the Lankan batsmen and ensured they couldn't exceed the 130-run mark. This is the second time in this series that Sri Lanka batters failed to reach up the expectations. In the first match of this tri-series against the Chevrons, they were all out, scoring 95 runs and yet again today, they failed to put up a commendable target on the board.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, A yorker, on off, Janith Liyanage digs it back to the bowler who fails to stop it. The ball rolls towards mid on as the batters collect a quick single. Sri Lanka end their innings at 128/7!

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Another short ball, on off, Janith Liyanage looks to play an uppercut but misses.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Back of a length, on off, Janith Liyanage chips it over cover for a brace.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Short again, on off, Janith Liyanage looks to play an uppercut but misses again.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Play and a miss! Short, outside off, Janith Liyanage tries to play at it but misses.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, FOUR! Good way to start the final over! Much fuller, on off, Janith Liyanage makes room and drills it through covers for a boundary.

Salman Mirza to Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Too full, outside off, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth looks to play at it but misses.

Salman Mirza to Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Slower one, outside off, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth looks to pull it but misses.

Vijayakanth Viyaskanth walks in to bat now.

Salman Mirza to Wanindu Hasaranga, OUT! TAKEN! Salman Mirza gets his first wicket. Short ball does the trick. Short, outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga looks to slap it but doesn't connect well. The ball carries towards deep cover where Sahibzada Farhan takes a good catch.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, Too full, on off, Janith Liyanage digs it to mid on for a single.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, FOUR! Well played! Short, down leg, Janith Liyanage picks it well and helps it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Salman Mirza to Wanindu Hasaranga, Full, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga fends it towards mid off for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Short, on leg, Janith Liyanage ducks under it.

Mohammad Wasim to Wanindu Hasaranga, Much fuller, on leg, Wanindu Hasaranga fends it to mid on for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Back of a length, on off, Janith Liyanage punches it to cover for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, FOUR! Well played! Short, on off, Janith Liyanage makes room and helps it over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Wanindu Hasaranga, Back of a length, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga steers it to point for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Short, on off, Janith Liyanage flicks it over mid-wicket for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Short and wide, Janith Liyanage slaps it through covers for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Short, on off, Janith Liyanage punches it to cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Much fuller, on leg, Wanindu Hasaranga flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! They are gearing up now! Much fuller, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga picks it well and chips it over extra cover for a boundary.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Flatter, on off, Janith Liyanage punches it to cover for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, SIX! They need more, a lot more! Much fuller, on off, Janith Liyanage takes a step forward and lofts it down the ground for a biggie. 100 comes up for Sri Lanka.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, On a length, on off, Janith Liyanage punches it to cover for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowlers end but misses. Had it been a direct hit, Wanindu Hasaranga was a goner.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, Much fuller, on leg, Janith Liyanage looks to flick it but miscues it to backward point.

Salman Mirza to Wanindu Hasaranga, Hard length, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga drives it to cover for a single.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, Back of a length, on leg, Janith Liyanage pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, Back of a length, on leg, Janith Liyanage fends it back to the bowler.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, Short, on off, Janith Liyanage looks to play at it but misses.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Brilliant over from Abrar Ahmed. Full, on middle and leg, Janith Liyanage flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Short, on middle, Janith Liyanage blocks it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Flatter, on middle, Wanindu Hasaranga looks to block it but miscues it to square leg for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Keeps it full, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga pushes it back to the bowler again.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Flatter, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga blocks it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Much fuller, on off, Janith Liyanage pushes it to cover for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Short, on middle and leg, Janith Liyanage tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Wanindu Hasaranga, Flatter, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga punches it to cover for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga blocks it to short cover.

Wanindu Hasaranga walks in.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! TAKEN! Mohammad Nawaz gets his third wicket. Flatter, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis gets down on one knee and looks to slog it but doesn't get the elevation on it. The ball carries towards deep mid-wicket. Mohammad Wasim stands near the fence and takes the catch. He loses his momentum as he throws the ball in the air and goes over the ropes. He comes back in and completes the catch.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Short, on off, Janith Liyanage punches it through cover for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamindu Mendis, Keeps it outside off, Kamindu Mendis looks to play at it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the batters collect a bye.

Saim Ayub to Kamindu Mendis, Flatter, on off, Kamindu Mendis flicks it to wide of mid on for a single.

Saim Ayub to Kamindu Mendis, Too full, on middle, Kamindu Mendis fends it back to the bowler.

Saim Ayub to Janith Liyanage, Quicker, on leg, Janith Liyanage flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Saim Ayub to Kamindu Mendis, Much fuller, on leg, Kamindu Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Saim Ayub to Kamindu Mendis, Short, on middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis blocks it back to the bowler.

Saim Ayub to Janith Liyanage, Fuller, on middle, Janith Liyanage flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Full, on middle, Janith Liyanage flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamindu Mendis, Flatter, outside off, Kamindu Mendis guides it to third man for a single.

Kamindu Mendis walks in to face the hat-trick ball.

Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka, OUT! TIMBER! What a beauty from Mohammad Nawaz. Back-to-back wickets for him. Quicker, on off, and it skids through. Dasun Shanaka goes deep in his crease and looks to block it, but misses it completely as the ball hits the timber again. Mohammad Nawaz is on a hat-trick now.

The skipper, Dasun Shanaka walks in.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Perera, OUT! TIMBER! That's a brilliant delivery from Mohammad Nawaz. Flatter, just outside off, and it turns in. Kusal Perera leans on and looks to push it but the ball goes through his bat and his pad and rattles over the off pole. Kusal Perera's cameo comes to an end.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Short ball, on middle, Janith Liyanage pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Perera, Slower one, on middle, Kusal Perera tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Saim Ayub to Kusal Perera, Quicker, on off, Kusal Perera guides it to backward point for a single.

Saim Ayub to Janith Liyanage, Short again, on middle, Janith Liyanage pulls it through mid-wicket for another single.

Saim Ayub to Kusal Perera, Short, on middle, Kusal Perera pulls it through square leg for a single. Good fielding in the deep.

Saim Ayub to Janith Liyanage, Flatter, on off, Janith Liyanage punches it to mid off for a single.

Saim Ayub to Kusal Perera, Short, on off, Kusal Mendis steers it to point for a single.

Saim Ayub to Kusal Perera, SIX! A much-needed biggie from Kusal Perera! A half tracker, on middle, Kusal Perera stays in his crease and plunders it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Drinks! Pakistan are well on top. Their tight bowling and exceptional fielding have made runs incredibly hard to come by for the Sri Lankan side. The Sri Lankan batters must now find a way to accelerate quickly and aim to breach their total over 160. Let's see how it pans out...

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Perera, Too full, on middle, Kusal Perera looks to flick it but miscues it to point for a single. Tidy over from Mohammad Nawaz.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Short, on off, Janith Liyanage moves forward and flicks it over mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Perera, Much fuller, on leg, Kusal Perera flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Perera, Keeps it on off, Kusal Perera pushes it to the cover fielder.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Flighted up, on leg, Janith Liyanage turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Short, on off, Janith Liyanage goes deep in his crease and blocks it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Slower one, on off, Kusal Perera blocks it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Flatter and it keeps a tad low. Kusal Perera turns it to mid-wicket.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Short again, on off, Janith Liyanage flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Turn and bounce, on middle, Janith Liyanage tucks it to mid on.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Short, on off, Janith Liyanage pushes it to point.

Janith Liyanage walks in to bat now.

Abrar Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! TAKEN! Abrar Ahmed gets a wicket. Flighted up, on off, Pathum Nissanka moves forward and looks to loft it but doesn't get the elevation right. The ball carries towards long off. Babar Azam runs to his right and takes a magnificent catch near the fence.

Mohammad Nawaz to Pathum Nissanka, Short, on middle, Pathum Nissanka tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Pathum Nissanka, Short, just outside off, Pathum Nissanka makes room and slaps it to the fielder at point.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Perera, Flighted up, on off, Kusal Perera drives it through extra cover for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Pathum Nissanka, Short, on leg, Pathum Nissanka knocks it down the ground for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Perera, Keeps it on off, Kusal Perera pushes it to point for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Pathum Nissanka, Short, on off, Pathum Nissanka pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, Tossed up, outside off, Pathum Nissanka knocks it down the ground for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Much fuller, on leg, Kusal Perera flicks it to short fine leg for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Slower one, on leg, Kusal Perera blocks it to mid on.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Top shot! Short ball, on middle and leg, Kusal Perera swivels and pulls it powerfully through backward square leg for a boundary.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Wide! Another one down leg, Kusal Perera looks to flick it but misses.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Down the leg side, Kusal Perera flicks it to the fielder at short fine leg.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Three wides! Down the leg side, Kusal Perera looks to flick it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the batters collect two runs.

Abrar Ahmed to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter, on leg, Pathum Nissanka flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Top shot from Kusal Perera! On a length, on middle and leg, Kusal Perera picks it well and flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases but the ball wins the race.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Perera, On a length, on leg, Kusal Perera tucks it to mid-wicket for a brace.

Kusal Perera walks in.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, OUT! RUN OUT! On a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis hangs back and steers it through backward point. There is an easy single, but they decide to go for a risky double. Mohammad Wasim makes a bullet throw towards Usman Khan, who whips the bails off. The umpire checks and confirms that Kusal Mendis was well short.

Faheem Ashraf to Pathum Nissanka, Slightly shorter again, on leg, Pathum Nissanka works it to the on side for a single.

Faheem Ashraf to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length, on off, Pathum Nissanka pulls it over mid-wicket for a brace.

Faheem Ashraf to Pathum Nissanka, Much fuller, on off, Pathum Nissanka drives it to the fielder at mid off.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, Excellent over from Mohammad Wasim! Length, on off, Kusal Mendis looks to punch it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls back towards the bowler. Dot.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Slower one, on off, Pathum Nissanka flicks it to square leg for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length, on leg, Pathum Nissanka pulls it to the fielder at backward square leg. Dot.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, Much fuller, on off, Kusal Mendis pushes it to cover for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, Length, on leg, Kusal Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, Back of a length, on leg, Kusal Mendis looks to pull it but wears it on his thighs. A stifled appeal but turned down. Perhaps the height.

Faheem Ashraf to Pathum Nissanka, Impressive start from Faheem Ashraf! Short, on off, Pathum Nissanka fends it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Faheem Ashraf to Pathum Nissanka, Keeps it full, outside off, Pathum Nissanka swings hard but misses.

Faheem Ashraf to Pathum Nissanka, Much fuller, on off, Pathum Nissanka knocks it to the fielder at mid on.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, Back of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis steers it through backward point for a single.

Kusal Mendis walks in at number 3.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamil Mishara, OUT! TAKEN! Faheem Ashraf strikes. Slower ball does the trick. On a length, on off, and slower too. Kamil Mishara looks to loft it but gets it off the toe end of his bat. The ball carries towards mid on. Fakhar Zaman settles under it and completes the catch.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Streaky! Back of a length, outside off, Kamil Mishara looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third for a boundary.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Slower one, on off, Kamil Mishara pulls it to mid-wicket for a single.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, SIX! All the way! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara picks it well and plunders it down the ground for a biggie.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Excellent shot! Back of a length, on off, Kamil Mishara winds up and pulls it magnificently through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Short, on off, Kamil Mishara looks to pull it but misses again.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Past the edge! On a length, outside off, Kamil Mishara swings hard but misses.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, On a length, on leg, Pathum Nissanka flicks it to mid on. The fielder dives to his right and makes a good stop. Keeps it to a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, On a length, on off, Pathum Nissanka pushes it to mid off for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Hard length, on off, Pathum Nissanka knocks it to mid on.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Wide! Sways it down leg, Pathum Nissanka looks to flick it but misses.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Length, just outside off, Pathum Nissanka eases it to the point fielder.

Mohammad Wasim to Kamil Mishara, On a length, on off, Kamil Mishara fends it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Kamil Mishara, SIX! Some way to get off the mark! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara stays in his crease and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length, on middle, Pathum Nissanka tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to share the attack.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Much fuller, outside off, Kamil Mishara drives it but finds the fielder at cover.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Length, with a hint of movement, outside off. Kamil Mishara looks to loft it but misses again.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Keeps it full, outside off, shaping away. Kamil Mishara swings hard but misses.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, On a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka looks to drive it but edges it to third man for a single.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, Much fuller, outside off, Pathum Nissanka tries to play at it but misses.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! That is some way to get off the mark! Salman Mirza starts with a length ball, and width on offer. Pathum Nissanka reaches out to it and drills it through covers for a boundary.

We are all set for the game to begin. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara walk in with their blades for Sri Lanka. Salman Mirza has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Faheem Ashraf is in for a chat as well. He said they’ve played here long, bowling at night is hard, but the weather has improved and the new ball gives some edge. He noted the team management and captain backing and appreciating the players.

Wanindu Hasaranga is in for a chat. He says that losing is a part of the game. The key is bouncing back. Adds that they lost four in a row since Asia Cup. One win changes everything, and the boys will give their best.

Pitch Report - The pitch is similar to the last two games. There are cracks, and the pitch is dry. If there is dew later in the game, it would be better to bat on. It is a good pitch to bat on, but the batters would have to be cautious early on.

Salman Agha, the skipper of Pakistan, says that they would have batted as well. Adds that they wanted to put a good score and defend it. He says that they have had a good rest and mentions Mohammad Wasim comes in for Shaheen Afridi. Ends by saying they will look to restrict Sri Lanka to a low total and chase this down.

Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that they will bat first. Adds that their batters need to stand up and bowlers should defend the total. Ends by mentioning three changes in their side.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (C), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim (In for Shaheen Afridi), Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara (In for Bhanuka Rajapaksa), Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka (C), Janith Liyanage (In for Maheesh Theekshana), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth (In for Nuwan Thushara).

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and will BAT first.

With the series balanced on the edge, this match is a must-win for Sri Lanka to level the playing field, while Pakistan will be eager to cement their spot at the top of the table. Can the Men in Green deliver a complete performance on their home turf, or will the wounded Lankans find the fire they need to hit back? We shall find out. Toss and team news to follow shortly...

For Sri Lanka, their 67-run hammering by Zimbabwe was a big wake-up call. Despite a decent bowling effort that saw Wanindu Hasaranga take 3 wickets to limit the Chevrons to 162/8, their batting completely fell apart. The absence of Charith Asalanka was felt as their main batters, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera, all failed to fire. Only skipper Dasun Shanaka showed real fight as the team was bundled out for a mere 95 runs. They must find their rhythm with the bat quickly if they hope to challenge the hosts.

Pakistan scraped through their first match, successfully restricting Zimbabwe to 147/8 thanks to strong bowling, particularly from Mohammad Nawaz. However, their chase was far from smooth, with the top order collapsing to 54/4. It took a gritty 44 from Fakhar Zaman, a composed 37 from Usman Khan, and a brilliant cameo from the all-important Mohammad Nawaz to seal the win in the final over. They'll be hoping for a much more convincing batting display in this game.

Get ready for a crucial clash in this Tri-Series! This tournament has already delivered some unexpected results, with the underdog Zimbabwe bouncing back from a loss to the hosts to deliver a stunning 67-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the last outing. The Men in Green secured a tense, hard-fought victory over Zimbabwe in the curtain-raiser, but they know they'll need to be sharper today to maintain their momentum.

... MATCH DAY ...

Rawalpindi gears up for a high-stakes clash as Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the 3rd match of the 2025 Tri-Nation Series - a fixture both sides desperately need to get right for very different reasons. Pakistan come in with a win under their belt, but their narrow escape against Zimbabwe has already exposed areas they must tighten, while Sri Lanka arrive wounded after a humbling defeat and will be itching to respond with intent. Pakistan will take heart from Mohammad Nawaz’s all-round brilliance in their opening game, a performance that ultimately dragged them over the line when the chase looked shaky. Their bowling unit showed good discipline, with Shaheen Afridi leading the pace attack well and Salman Mirza offering solid support. Abrar Ahmed continues to be their go-to option in the middle overs with his growing reputation in white-ball cricket. With the bat, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan steadied things in the middle, but the hosts will expect their explosive openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan to provide the spark up top. The experienced duo of Babar Azam and Salman Agha will also need to shoulder responsibility, especially in high-pressure moments, rather than leaving the rescue acts to others. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, were outplayed comprehensively by Zimbabwe, bowled out for just 95 in a disappointing chase. The batting unit must regroup quickly and show far more application if they want to stay competitive in the tournament. The talent is there - Pathum Nissanka’s fine form, Kusal Mendis’ experience, and the power of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka give their lineup real depth, but they need collective contribution rather than isolated sparks. Their overreliance on Wanindu Hasaranga is becoming a concern; while he remains a match-winner with both bat and ball, he cannot be expected to carry the load every game. The bowling attack, however, remains a major positive with Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, and Nuwan Thushara forming a threatening pace trio. Maheesh Theekshana’s dip in effectiveness is an issue, and Sri Lanka will hope he rediscovers his rhythm to bring back the control and mystery he’s known for. With Pakistan eager to build momentum at home and Sri Lanka desperate to shake off their early setback, this contest promises intensity, pressure, and high-quality cricket, and could well shape the direction of the tournament moving forward.