The T20 tri-series is set for a thrilling conclusion as Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in today’s final at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both teams approach the championship clash with contrasting narratives. Sri Lanka, after a challenging three-week tour marked by a winless ODI series and a surprising loss to Zimbabwe, have staged an impressive turnaround with consecutive victories over Zimbabwe and Pakistan in the group stages, putting them just one win away from redemption.
Pakistan enter the final as clear favourites. Captain Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence in his team’s form, praising their comeback ability and improved handling of batting collapses. “Every individual is stepping up, which has reduced the frequency and severity of collapses,” he noted in the pre-final press briefing.
The match carries significant importance for both sides. For Pakistan, it serves as part of their intensive T20 World Cup 2026 preparation, following 28 T20Is against nine opponents since PSL 2025, with a win-loss ratio exceeding 2:1. Sri Lanka, co-hosts of next year’s T20 World Cup, view the final as a chance to redeem a disappointing year, which included series losses to Bangladesh and the Asia Cup setback.
Key players will likely shape the outcome. Mohammad Nawaz has excelled for Pakistan as the tournament’s leading all-rounder, while Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera arrives in form after a 4/20 performance that secured their final berth.
Rawalpindi’s cold, dry conditions are expected to influence the match, particularly with dew affecting the latter stages. Both teams may choose to field first, with Pakistan likely recalling Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. With both sides aware of what’s at stake, fans can expect a tightly contested final where composure under pressure could decide the winner.
Read more: PCB Releases Updated Schedule for Sri Lanka ODI Series
