HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan 2025, 6 T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for the run-chase. The players are back in the middle. The pair of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan to open the innings for Pakistan. It will be Maheesh Theekshana with the ball for Sri Lanka. Here we go!

... The Run Chase ...

The total of 184 looks a bit on the higher side, considering the surface is tricky and favors the bowlers who can change their pace, line, and length. Pakistan's bowlers, led by Abrar's 2 wickets, would feel they let the opponents score 10-15 extra runs here. Now, it's down to the batters to chase it down. Sri Lanka's bowlers will be keen to defend it and join Pakistan in the summit clash. Let's see what unfolds next.

Sri Lankan innings got off to a rocky start with Pathum Nissanka's early dismissal, but Kusal Mendis stepped up, playing a crucial role in their innings. He initially looked a bit unsure but quickly found his footing, scoring 40 runs off just 23 balls before being dismissed. Mendis and Kamil Mishara formed a solid partnership, putting on 66 runs in just 6 overs. After Mendis' dismissal, Mishara took charge, smashing a half-century and top-scoring for Sri Lanka with an impressive 76 runs. Dasun Shanaka also contributed a quick 17 off 10 balls towards the end, helping Sri Lanka post a competitive total.

Sri Lanka's batting effort has put Pakistan under a bit of pressure for the first time in this Tri-series. Asked to bat first, the Lankans have compiled a formidable 184, setting a challenging target for the hosts.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, OUT! DASUN IS RUN OUT! Good length on middle and leg, Dasun Shanaka smashes this towards the cow corner and takes the first hard. Janith Liyanage turns and runs for the second as well but Dasun Shanaka hesitates and just stands out of his crease. Janith Liyanage, meanwhile, manages to put his bat in the crease at the non-striker's end with Dasun Shanaka standing out of his crease. Babar Azam fields this and throws it to the striker's end with Usman Khan doing the rest by removing the bails. Sri Lanka have posted 184 on the board.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, WIDE! Full and way too wide of off, Dasun Shanaka leaves it again. Wided.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, Yorker wide of off, Dasun Shanaka swings and misses.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, WIDE! On a length wide outside off, Dasun Shanaka leaves it all alone. Wided.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! Sliced away for a boundary. Short and wide of off, Dasun Shanaka plants his front foot deep inside the crease and cuts this behind square on off for a boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, WIDE! Full and way too wide of off, Dasun Shanaka swings and misses it. Wided.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! Another full toss, wide of off, Dasun Shanaka this time doesn't look to get cheeky and smashes this up and over the bowler for a boundary towards the sight screen.

The physio has rushed out to check on Dasun Shanaka. All seems good and Dasun Shanaka is ready to face the next delivery.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, OUCH! That has got to hurt Dasun Shanaka. Full toss, around off, Dasun Shanaka goes for the ramp but ends up ramping it straight back onto his throat.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, BYE! On a length wide outside off, Janith Liyanage looks to ramp but misses. The batters run for a bye. Usman Khan gather this behind the stumps and throws it at the stumps at the striker's end but misses.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, On a length around middle and leg, Janith Liyanage slogs this on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, Mirza comes round the wicket, nails the wide yorker. Janith Liyanage jumps down the track and gets beaten.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, On a length around middle and off, Janith Liyanage smashes this to long off for a couple.

Salman Mirza to Dasun Shanaka, Good length on middle and off, Dasun Shanaka fails to get right underneath it this time and hits this to long on for one.

Salman Mirza to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! DISPATCHED! Back of a length around middle and leg, Dasun Shanaka plants his front foot towards his leg and pulls this out of the park towards the deep mid-wicket region for a massive six. Much-needed for Sri Lanka.

Salman Mirza to Janith Liyanage, Good length on middle and leg, Janith Liyanage smashes this to long on for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, Short and on off, Dasun Shanaka backs away from the stumps and looks to cut this behind point but misses.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, On a length around off, Janith Liyanage pushes this to long on for another single.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, FOUR! Janith gets a lucky boundary. Back of a length on off, Janith Liyanage clears his front foot from the line of it and swings at it. Gets it edged off the inside for a boundary toward fine leg.

Mohammad Wasim to Dasun Shanaka, Good length on off, Dasun Shanaka cuts this late to deep third for one.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Back of a length around off, Janith Liyanage slaps this over extra cover for one.

Mohammad Wasim to Janith Liyanage, Full and wide outside off, Janith Liyanage looks to get some bat on it but fails to do so.

Abrar Ahmed to Dasun Shanaka, Wrong'un around middle and off, Dasun Shanaka fails to read it as he swings at it and misses out.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, OUT! CAUGHT! Short of a length on middle and off, Kamil Mishara goes for the pull but doesn't get enough power behind it. Hits thie straight tot he fielder at deep mid-wicket. Mohammad Wasim makes no mitakes and holds onto it.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Tossed up on off, Janith Liyanage drives this to sweeper cover for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Short of a length on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara pushes this to long on for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, SIX! Excellent from Kamil Mishara. Tossed up, wide of off, Kamil Mishara goes for the reverse and connects right from the middle of his bat. Hits it well enough to clear the fence towards the deep point region for a huge six.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Short of a length on off, Janith Liyanage punches this to extra cover for one.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamil Mishara, DROPPED! Kamil Mishara has been dropped on 67. Back of a length on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara mistimes the slog and hits this straight to Salman Agha at wide long on. Agha glides to his left and gets behind it but ends up dropping the ball as he slides. Two taken.

Faheem Ashraf to Janith Liyanage, Good length around off, Janith Liyanage cuts this to point for one.

Faheem Ashraf to Janith Liyanage, Third dot already in the over. Cutter, into the surface, around off, Janith Liyanage swings and misses.

Faheem Ashraf to Janith Liyanage, Slower one, wide of off, Janith Liyanage swings and misses. The change of pace is working fine for Faheem Ashraf.

Faheem Ashraf to Janith Liyanage, FOUR! Effective innovation from Janith Liyanage. Off-cutter, wide of off, Janith Liyanage gets down on his knee and scoops this behind the keeper for a boundary.

Faheem Ashraf to Janith Liyanage, Slower one, back of a length, just going over the middle and leg. Janith Liyanage looks to swing across the line but misses out.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Short and wide of off, Kamil Mishara cuts this to deep point for a couple to end the over.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Quicker one, around off, Kamil Mishara looks to cut but misses.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Brilliantly smashed in the gap for four. Short of a length on middle and off, Kamil Mishara goes onto his back foot and smashes this in the gap towards the left of the fielder at extra cover for four runs.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Floated on off, Janith Liyanage works this through mid-wicket for another strike rotation.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Tossed up on the pads, Kamil Mishara flicks this to deep mid-wicket for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Flighted, wide of off, Kamil Mishara gets it away to the left of the bowler.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamil Mishara, Good length on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara pulls this away to deep square leg for another single.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamil Mishara, This just did not bounce. Vutter, around off, Kamil Mishara settles himself to swing at it but the ball just doesn't bounce and goes past the batter.

Faheem Ashraf to Janith Liyanage, Back of a length on middle and off, Janith Liyanage pulls this to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Faheem Ashraf to Janith Liyanage, WIDE! On a length, wide outside off, a bit too wide. Janith Liyanage looks for a scoop but misses. Wided.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamil Mishara, Short and wide of off, Kamil Mishara punches this through extra cover for one.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamil Mishara, Back of a length on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara pulls this towards the left of deep mid-wicket and runs a couple.

Faheem Ashraf to Janith Liyanage, Good length wide of off, Janith Liyanage cuts this to deep point for a single.

Saim Ayub to Janith Liyanage, Quicker and flatter wide of off, Janith Liyanage pushes this to long off for a single.

Saim Ayub to Kamil Mishara, Pushed through on off, Kamil Mishara punches this to sweeper cover for one.

Saim Ayub to Kamil Mishara, SIX! UP AND OVER FOR A BIGGIE! Tossed up, around off, Kamil Mishara strides to the pitch of the delivery and smashes this over the fence towards the deep cover region for a brilliantly struck biggie. Brings up his half-century with this biggie.

Saim Ayub to Kamil Mishara, Fuller on middle and off, Kamil Mishara gets close to the pitch of it and drives this to sweeper cover for two more.

Saim Ayub to Kamil Mishara, Fuller on off, Kamil Mishara cuts this through the point region and runs a couple of runs.

Saim Ayub to Janith Liyanage, 2 WIDES! Full and wide down the leg, Janith Liyanage swings and misses, the keeper misses to gather this cleanly as well and the batters run an extra. Wided.

Saim Ayub to Janith Liyanage, Full and on leg, Janith Liyanage defends this off his back foot.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, Under-cutter, wide of off from Nawaz, going across the batter. Kamil cuts this through backward point for two.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Fuller on the pads, Janith Liyanage tucks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, Full toss, wide of off, Kamil Mishara punts this to long on for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Pushed through on off, Janith Liyanage dabs it in front of point for one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, Short of a length on middle and off, Kamil Mishara pulls this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Smashed away for a boundary. Short and going across the batter. Kamil Mishara hangs onto his back foot and smashes this through the gap at the cover region for a brilliantly struck boundary.

Saim Ayub to Kamil Mishara, Full and wide of off, Kamil Mishara drives this to sweeper cover for one.

Saim Ayub to Janith Liyanage, Fuller on the pads, Janith Liyanage works this to short fine leg for one.

Janith Liyanage walks out next.

Saim Ayub to Kusal Perera, OUT! CAUGHT! Short and wide of off, Kusal Perera hangs onto his back foot and looks to cut this square through the point region. Hits this a bit early and finds Mohammad Nawaz at the edge of the circle towards cover.

Saim Ayub to Kusal Perera, Short of a length on middle and off, Kusal flicks this through mid-wicket and takes two here.

Saim Ayub to Kamil Mishara, Tossed up around off, Kamil Mishara drives this to wide long off for a strike rotation.

Saim Ayub to Kamil Mishara, Fuller, on leg, Kamil Mishara blocks this back to the bowler.

DRINKS! We're at the halfway mark of Sri Lanka's innings, and they're looking strong! Despite losing Pathum Nissanka early, Kusal Mendis' positive batting has put them in a good position. Sri Lanka's approach seems to be working, and they're pushing hard in this crucial game. Pakistan will be eager to break the partnership and get wickets to stem the flow of runs.

Salman Agha to Kamil Mishara, Quicker one, on off, Kamil Mishara cuts this to deep point for a single.

Salman Agha to Kusal Perera, Fuller, on the pads, Kusal drills this down the ground to long on for one.

Salman Agha to Kamil Mishara, Tossed up on off, Kamil Mishara looks to flick this around square leg but ends up with a leading edge that lobs Agha for a single.

Salman Agha to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Tossed up, around off, Kamil Mishara strides to the pitch of the delivery and drives this crisply, all along the ground for a boundary through the extra cover region.

Salman Agha to Kusal Perera, Fired on the pads, Kusal Perera sweeps this to short fine leg for one.

Salman Agha to Kusal Perera, Fuller, around off, Kusal Perera goes onto his back foot and taps this in front of cover and looks to snatch a single. The fielder was quickly onto it. A good throw to the keeper from Babar Azam and keeper does the rest by removing the bails rapidly. TV umpire is called into action and the replay shows that Kusal Perera was safely inside the creasse before the bails were removed.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Full and on the pads, Kusal Perera flicks this to deep mid-wicket for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Pushed through on off, Kusal Perera blocks it around silly point.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Flighted, on off, Kamil Mishara pushes this through cover for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Floated on off, Kamil Mishara pushes this to extra cover.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Perera, Fuller and on off, Kusal Perera drives this to sweeper cover for one.

Kusal Perera walks out next.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, OUT! LBW! That's as plumb as anything. Flicker, into the sticks from the Pakistani spinner. Kusal Mendis misreads the line and the trajectory as well. Goes onto his back foot and gets beaten as the ball skids on. Mendis is hit below the knee roll, in front of the middle stump. A gentle appeal from Abrar Ahmed was enough for the umpire to raise his finger.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Mendis, Fuller on middle and off, Kusal Mendis pushes this down the ground for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, Full and down the leg, Kamil Mishara tickles this away to the left of Salman Mirza at short fine leg. Mirza dives and fields well to keep it down to just one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, WIDE! Nawaz comes round the wicket, fires one across the batter but way too wide. Wided.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Tossed up, on middle and off, Kamil Mishara goes down on a knee and gives it a mighty swing of his bat. Connects well with the slog sweep and clears the fence towards deep mid-wicket region with ease for a biggie.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, WIDE! Full and way too wide outside off, Kamil Mishara leaves it. Wided.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Mendis, Pushed through on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis works this through mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! There wasn't much wrong about the delivery but Kusal Mendis shows his class as he threads a gap for four. Floated on off, Kusal Mendis moves away from the stumps, plays this late and cuts this towards the left of backward point for a boundary.

Mohammad Nawaz to Kamil Mishara, Quicker one, on middle and off, Kamil Mishara pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a strike rotation.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Abrar comes, round the wicket, bowls a quicker one, on off, Kamil Mishara punches this through cover for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Tossed up, on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara goes down on a knee and slogs this up and over the fielder at mid-wicket for a boundary. This wasn't far from big a biggie as it lands inches inside the fence before going over it.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Slower one, full and on off, Kamil Mishara punches this cover for no run.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Short of a length on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis pulls this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, Tossed up, on the pads, Kamil Mishara works this to short fine leg for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Kusal Mendis, Pushed through on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis rolls this through mid on for one.

End of the Powerplay. Pakistan started well with the wicket of Pathum Nissanka early on but Kusal Mendis walked out with some positive intent and has taken the attack to the hosts. After 6 overs Sri Lanka are going almost around 10 an over and they'll looks to continue in this fashion.

Mohammad Wasim to Kamil Mishara, Swing and a miss. Good length, on middle and off, Kamil Mishara looks to swing across the line but misses out.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, Good length wide of off, Kusal Mendis guides this to deep third for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, Wasim hits the deck hard, on off, Kusal Mendis blocks.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, FOUR LEG BYE! Boundaries galore in Pindi. Good length, down the leg, Kusal Mendis goes for the flick and misses out on connection with the bat. Gets it tickled off his thigh pads, to the left of the keeper for four towards fine leg.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! A boundary to follow the biggie. Short again, on middle and off, Kusal Mendis stays leg side to it this time, pulls this in front of square on leg, towards the deep mid-wicket region for four this time.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, SIX! A biggie to start the final over of the Powerplay. Short and into the batter. Kusal Mendis gets inside the line of it and pulls this behind square. Gets a brilliant connection to sail the ball over the fence towards the long leg region for a biggie.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Back of a length on middle and off, Kusal Mendis pulls this in the gap towards the right of mid-wicket for one.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Good length on off, Kusal Mendis mistimes the pull, on the bounce to short mid-wicket.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Bumper, around off, Kusal Mendis sits under it.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Kusal Mendis continues to play aggressively. Short and around middle and off, Kusal Mendis pulls this up and over the fielder at mid-wicket for a boundary more to his total.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Good length around middle and off, another cutter from Salman. Kusal Mendis looks to flick around mid-wicket but the ball holds into the surface and comes late at him. Kusal Mendis somehow manages to edge this short of short third.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Good length around off, Kamil Mishara swots it to mid-wicket for one.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Another boundary to end the over. Back of a length on middle and off, Kusal Mendis stays behind the popping crease and pulls this over mid-wicket for a boundary to close the over.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, Cross-seam, on a length, around off, Kusal Mendis drives early at it. Gets it off the bottom of his bat to mid off.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamil Mishara, On a length around off, Kamil Mishara drives this to extra cover and takes one.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, Faheem goes eve wider and short this time. Kusal Mendis punches this to the left of Salman Agha at mid off. The ball was racing to the fence but a brilliant sliding effort from the skipper of Pakistan keeps it down to 3.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Kusal Mendis. Faheem Ashraf goes full and wide outside off, Kusal Mendis strides towards the pitch of the delivery and nails another cover drive, in the gap, this time towards the right of the fielder for four more.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Mendis looks like he means business tonight. On a length around off, Kusal Mendis gets right on top of the bounce here and drives this all along the ground for a boundary through the cover region.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Another cutter, into the surface from Mirza. Kamil Mishara tentatively looks to poke at it but misses out. Ramiz Raza, on-air, feels that Kamil might have edged it but the fielding side has missed out on hearing it as nobody appealed.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Good length around off, Kamil Mishara strides to the pitch of the delivery and plays a glorious looking cover drive but finds the fielder.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Clever placement from Kamil. Slower one, short and wide of off, Kamil Mishara plays this late and slices this behind the short third fielder for a boundary. Kamil Mishara moves to 12 with this boundary.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Full and wide of off, Kusal Mendis thumbs this into the ground and towards short extra cover. Babar Azam does well to take the sting out of it by getting a bit of hand to it. Single taken.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Good length, going across the batter. Kusal Mendis leaves it.

Kusal Mendis walks out at 3.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Nobody could believe until everyone sees the bail on middle and off on the ground. Cutter, around the top of off, Pathum Nissanka swings early and he looks to slog across the line. Gets beaten on the inside and the ball just kisses the tail of the bails and goes through to the keeper. Salman Mirza throws his head back as he believes that it was too close not to be bowled but celebrates as he sees the replay that shows that the ball has dislodged the bails on its way to the keeper.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Good length on middle and off, Pathum Nissanka punches this through cover for another single.

Mohammad Wasim to Kamil Mishara, Good length around middle and off, Kamil Mishara pushes this to mid off for one.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Short pitched, around leg. Pathum Nissanka gets late into the hook and gets it away from the stick of his bat towards the left of short third for one. Pathum gets lucky as it lands in the empty space because he wasn't in control while playing this.

Mohammad Wasim to Kamil Mishara, Good length on middle and off, Kamil Mishara pushes this gently to mid off and rotates strike.

Mohammad Wasim to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! CONTROLLED FROM KAMIL! Short and just wide of off, Kamil Mishara triggers his movement on the front foot and goes back to stable himself and then punches this through the cover region for an excellently struck boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Wasim hits the hard length, on off, Pathum Nissanka rocks back and pushes this through cover for a single.

Mohammad Wasim will operate from the other end.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Good length on middle and leg, Kamil Mishara pushes this to cover for a dot to end the first over.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Mirza bowls it full and wide of off, Kamil Mishara drives this through cover for a couple to open his account as well.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Good length around off, Kamil Mishara blocks this around point.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, Short and wide outside off, Pathum Nissanka goes onto his back foot and cuts this to deep third for a single.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length on the pads, Pathum Nissanka hops, up on his toes and blocks this around mid-wicket.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! If this is a sign of things to come, we are in for a treat. Pitched up, around off, Pathum Nissanka strides to the pitch of the delivery. gets right behind it and mails the off-drive for a boundary to get underway.

We are all set for this crunch game to begin. A must-win for Lanka and a very good prep before the final for the hosts. Pathum Nissanka has walked out with Kamil Mishara to open for Sri Lanka. Salman Mirza will bw bowling the first over of the contest.

PITCH REPORT - The pitch at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is looking a bit rougher than before, with less sheen than the previous game, according to Ramiz Raja and Pommie Mbangwa. It's expected to grip a bit, making it challenging for batters. The initial part of the game will see the ball moving around, with deviations from a length. Bowlers who can stay on the stumps will have an advantage, and the game might see some ups and downs.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka is feeling confident heading into today's match against Pakistan, with the team in a good mental space after their last win. They're happy to bat first, fitting their mindset and approach to the game, and are looking to maintain their momentum without any changes to the XI. Shanaka emphasized the team's focus on showing more energy on the field, and they're aiming for a target above 150-160, considering the surface's recent behavior.

Pakistan captain, Salman Agha, has elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka, aiming to maintain their winning momentum. He emphasized that they're focused on doing what they've been doing, acknowledging Sri Lanka as a good side. Agha also mentioned that Pakistan has made two changes to their lineup.

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

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (C), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga.

TOSS - Pakistan have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.

As the two teams prepare to battle it out under the Rawalpindi lights, the narrative is clear, will Pakistan's formidable form prove too much to handle, or can Sri Lanka rise to the occasion and secure their place in the final? The stage is set for an intense, high-stakes showdown.

Sri Lanka, however, faces an uphill battle to keep their tournament hopes alive. Their campaign has been a mixed bag, featuring a shocking defeat to Zimbabwe and then a heavy defeat to Pakistan but also a convincing nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe, buoyed by Pathum Nissanka's sensational 98. To challenge Pakistan's dominance, key batters like Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka must step up and provide substantial support. With the ball, the Lankans will rely heavily on the experienced duo of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera to break through a confident Pakistani batting line-up.

Pakistan enters this contest as the team to beat, having maintained a flawless record so far, including a dominant seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament. Their success has been driven by consistent performances from the top order, notably Sahibzada Farhan's impressive run, and crucial all-round contributions from Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub. The bowling unit has also been clinical, with Usman Tariq's four-wicket haul in a recent game highlighting their depth. For Pakistan, this match is an opportunity to fine-tune their combinations and maintain their winning momentum heading into the final.

Hello and welcome to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the Tri-Series reaches its dramatic final group stage match. While Pakistan has already stamped its ticket to the grand final, this is a must-win encounter for Sri Lanka, who need a victory today to secure their place in the summit clash. The stakes couldn't be higher in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

... MATCHDAY ...

The Tri-Series in Rawalpindi has reached its climax and the final league match is here. It's been gripping cricket so far, and the business end promises to be even spicier. This is where things get real. Zimbabwe have finished their campaign and now they're in the waiting room, hoping their fate goes the way they want it to. Pakistan have already booked their spot in the summit clash, but the hosts still have a dog in this fight. Everything hinges on this Match 6 between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Here's the deal. If Sri Lanka pull off the win, Zimbabwe are heading home. But if they slip up, the Zimbabweans sneak through courtesy of net run rate. It's that close. Sri Lanka come into this having just demolished their opponents by 9 wickets with balls to spare, yet their net run rate barely budged. Why? Because that horrific 95 all out against Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament left a scar, and the hammering from Pakistan didn't help either. But they've shown steel in their last outing, bouncing back when it mattered. The real story for Sri Lanka has been their top order falling apart like a house of cards. It's been messy. But then Pathum Nissanka showed up when the pressure was on, and suddenly things started clicking into place. When he finds his groove, the entire batting order settles down and starts breathing easy. That's the thing about cricket, isn't it? A solid start sets the tone for everything that follows. And if Sri Lanka get that right, they could make this interesting. The middle order will still have to calm their nerves when they get a chance and step up against a mighty Pakistani bowling attack. Apart from Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera, they do have ample stocks in that order including the skipper Shanaka ready to pounce in clutch situations. While the youngsters in Kamil Mishara and Janith Liyanage provide that depth in the batting. Bowling-wise, they improved their previous stints. The spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have bowled well in tandem and the pacers in Chameera and others will need to back that up against a firing home side. For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan mirrors what Nissanka represents for Sri Lanka. An explosive opener with genuine quality. He's been blazing all year and his two half-centuries in three games speak volumes. He'll want to cap off the year with that same fire in his belly. That's where Pakistan's comfort zone ends though. The demands of modern T20I cricket mean the middle order needs to consistently deliver firepower, and Pakistan's have been unreliable. Babar Azam's recent 72 was impressive, no doubt, but here's the thing that keeps people talking. When he faces elite attacks and the pressure mounts, can he replicate that? Can he sustain it? Those are the questions that matter. Fakhar Zaman coming in lower as a hitter has been a brilliant move, it takes the burden off Saim Ayub in the opening slot, who's been a steadying presence in the format. Pakistan's bowling, though, has teeth. Mohammad Nawaz continues to be a craftsman with the ball, and Usman Tariq, their mystery spinner, is riding high after taking a sensational hat-trick against Zimbabwe. If both these bowlers execute and their pace attack stays sharp, Pakistan could prove too strong and hot to handle. Naseem Shah was given an opportunity against Zimbabwe, but will they rope Salman Mirza back in the mix? Or will they go with the same combination? It will depend on what kind of surface Rawalpindi offers this time around. But Pakistan have the luxury of testing their bench strength before the big finale on Sunday. Three of the top four wicket takers in the series are spinners, so one thinks it will be another slowish kind of a wicket where anything above 150 would be a difficult gig to chase. Another blockbuster clash is in the making. Let's hope that it sticks to its billing.