When Pakistan chased down 128 with ease, losing just three wickets, it wasn’t just another win — it was the fourth straight T20I victory in a row, and the most convincing yet. The match, played at an undisclosed venue in Pakistan as part of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025, saw Sahibzada Farhan dismantle Sri Lanka’s bowling with an explosive 80 not out off 45 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz turned the game on its head with a fiery 3-for that left Sri Lanka reeling. The win didn’t just extend Pakistan’s winning streak — it locked them into the final of the tri-series, leaving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe to battle for second place.
How Pakistan Broke Sri Lanka’s Spirit
Sri Lanka’s innings was a study in missed opportunities. They posted 128 for 9, a total that looked playable but was, in reality, a death knell on a pitch ESPN.com called "tough to bat on." Openers fell early, and by 60 for 3, the momentum had already slipped. Nisanka’s 17 was the only meaningful contribution before the middle order collapsed. Kusil Pereira tried to revive things with a few big hits, but his dismissal — caught at deep midwicket after a misjudged scoop — was the turning point. Then came Mohammad Nawaz. His delivery to dismiss captain Dasan Shanaka was described by commentators as a "beauty" — a sharp leg-break that turned viciously and clipped the top of off stump. Two balls later, he had Wanindu Hasaranga caught by a diving fielder who "hung on despite the ball’s awkward bounce." By the time the innings ended, Nawaz had taken 3 for 19 in his four overs, and Sri Lanka had lost their last six wickets for 48 runs.Farhan’s Masterclass on a Difficult Pitch
If Nawaz broke Sri Lanka’s spine, Farhan buried it. Facing a pitch that offered variable bounce and turn, Farhan didn’t just survive — he dominated. He targeted the spinners early, using his feet to crush length balls through the covers. His 45-ball 80 included 11 fours and 4 sixes, and he faced just 18 dot balls. Saim Ayub (20 off 18) provided quick support, and Babar Azam (16 off 22) anchored the middle, but it was Farhan who turned the chase into a procession. He reached his fifty in 29 balls — the fastest of the series — and never looked back. With two overs left, the required rate had dipped below four an over. Pakistan crossed the line with 12 balls to spare.The Quiet Architect: Mohammad Nawaz’s Series-Winning Spell
While Farhan got the headlines, Nawaz has been the quiet engine of Pakistan’s T20I revival. Across the last three matches, he’s taken seven wickets at an economy of 5.8. Against Sri Lanka, he didn’t just take wickets — he broke partnerships. His spell against Zimbabwe in the previous match included a crucial 2-wicket over that snuffed out a 50-run stand. He’s now the leading wicket-taker in the series, and his ability to bowl in the powerplay and death has given Pakistan’s attack balance. "He’s not the flashiest, but he’s the most consistent," said former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria in a post-match interview. "He reads the game like a chess player."Why This Streak Matters
Pakistan hadn’t won four straight T20Is since 2021. This run — against two teams ranked in the top 10 — is their most convincing in years. They’ve beaten Sri Lanka twice in the series, and Zimbabwe by 69 runs and then by 5 wickets in another thriller. Usman Tariq, playing only his second T20I, took a hat-trick against Zimbabwe, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. have been lethal with the new ball. Even fielding has improved: Ahmed’s sharp catch at mid-off, Farhan’s diving stop at deep square leg — these aren’t just highlights, they’re signs of a team clicking.
What’s Next: The Final and Beyond
Pakistan now awaits the winner of the Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe clash to determine their final opponent. If Sri Lanka wins, they’ll face Pakistan again — a rematch with added stakes. If Zimbabwe pulls off an upset, it’ll be a historic final for them. But regardless, Pakistan has already won the series on points. More importantly, they’ve rediscovered their identity in T20 cricket: aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and fearless fielding. With the T20 World Cup later this year, this streak isn’t just about pride — it’s a statement.Behind the Numbers: The Stats That Tell the Story
- Pakistan’s win margin: 7 wickets, 12 balls remaining
- Sahibzada Farhan’s strike rate: 177.77 (80* off 45)
- Mohammad Nawaz’s series wickets: 7 in 3 matches
- Sri Lanka’s highest partnership: 38 between Nisanka and Pereira
- Pakistan’s total runs in the series: 587 in 4 matches
- Usman Tariq’s hat-trick: first by a Pakistani in T20Is since 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sahibzada Farhan manage such a dominant innings on a tough pitch?
Farhan adjusted his footwork early, using his front foot aggressively against spinners and staying deep in the crease against pace. He targeted the off-side, where the pitch offered less turn, and played with minimal risk after reaching 30. His 80 not out was the highest individual score in the series, and his strike rate of 177.77 was the fastest among batsmen who faced more than 30 balls.
Why is Mohammad Nawaz considered the key player in this series?
Nawaz has taken 7 wickets in three matches at an economy of 5.8, including match-winning spells against both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. He bowls in the powerplay and death, breaks partnerships, and rarely gives away boundaries. His ability to control the middle overs has allowed Pakistan to deploy aggressive finishers like Farhan without pressure. He’s the only bowler in the series with multiple 3-wicket hauls.
What does this winning streak mean for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup chances?
This run proves Pakistan can win under pressure with a balanced side. Farhan’s form, Nawaz’s control, and emerging talents like Tariq and Wasim Jr. suggest depth. After years of inconsistency, they’ve found a winning formula: aggressive top order, economical spin, and sharp fielding. If they maintain this momentum, they’re serious contenders in the T20 World Cup.
How did Sri Lanka’s batting collapse so quickly after a decent start?
After Nisanka and Pereira added 38, Sri Lanka lost five wickets for 18 runs. The pitch, which was slow and grippy, punished loose shots. Captain Dasan Shanaka’s duck off Nawaz’s beauty was the psychological blow, and the lack of experienced finishers like Wanindu Hasaranga (who got out cheaply) exposed their middle-order fragility. They didn’t adapt to the conditions, unlike Pakistan’s batsmen.
Who else stood out for Pakistan besides Farhan and Nawaz?
Usman Tariq took a four-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, against Zimbabwe — the first by a Pakistani in T20Is since 2018. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. consistently removed top-order batsmen early, while Babar Azam’s 74 off 52 balls in an earlier match showed his return to form. Fielding, too, improved — Ahmed’s catch and Farhan’s diving stop were game-changing moments.
When is the final, and who will Pakistan face?
The final date hasn’t been officially confirmed, but it’s expected within 48 hours of the Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe match. Pakistan will face either Sri Lanka, if they win their final group game, or Zimbabwe if they pull off an upset. Either way, Pakistan has already secured their spot — and they’ll be heavy favorites.
