Source: Cricbuzz

The cricketing world watched in awe and disbelief as Pakistan clinched the 2025 T20I Tri-Series title with a dominant performance against Sri Lanka in a final that will be remembered for a stunning batting collapse. While Mohammad Nawaz’s all-round brilliance and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery spell took the headlines, it was Sri Lanka’s precipitous fall, losing 9 wickets for a mere 30 runs, that truly defined the championship decider, ultimately being bundled out for a paltry 114.

The Final Showdown: Anticipation Meets Reality

Heading into the final of the 2025 T20I Tri-Series, anticipation was palpable. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka had navigated a challenging series, showcasing moments of brilliance and resilience to earn their spots in the ultimate showdown. Pakistan, with its traditional T20 prowess, looked a formidable unit, while Sri Lanka had demonstrated a renewed vigour and tactical shrewdness throughout the tournament. The air was thick with the promise of a high-octane encounter, a fitting culmination to a competitive series.

The toss, often a crucial factor in T20 finals, went in favour of Sri Lanka, and their captain opted to bat first, hoping to post a commanding total and put pressure on Pakistan in the chase. On a pitch that offered a good balance between bat and ball, the decision seemed sensible, allowing their batters to assess conditions and build momentum. However, what unfolded over the next few hours was a stark reminder of cricket’s unpredictable nature and the immense pressure a final can exert.

Sri Lanka’s Catastrophic Collapse: A Batting Nightmare

From Steady Start to Sudden Demise

Sri Lanka’s innings began with a measured approach. Their openers navigated the initial swing and pace of Pakistan’s formidable attack, showing glimpses of intent and carefully accumulating runs. While wickets did fall, they were spaced out, and at one point, Sri Lanka seemed poised to build a competitive total. They reached a respectable 84 for 1, a platform from which they could launch a late-innings assault, eyeing a score in the region of 160-170 – a challenging target in any T20 final.

However, the transition from a steady foundation to a complete collapse was shockingly swift and brutal. What followed was an implosion of epic proportions, a batting performance that will haunt Sri Lanka for seasons to come. In a period of just a few overs, the Sri Lankan batting lineup disintegrated under relentless pressure. Wicket after wicket tumbled, not in singles but in clusters, as batsmen struggled to cope with the accuracy and intensity of the Pakistani bowlers. The scoreboard became a live testament to their struggles, flickering with falling wickets as if a glitch in the matrix. Spectators watched in disbelief as Sri Lanka incredibly lost 9 wickets for just 30 runs, transforming a promising start into a full-blown crisis. The sight of batsmen trudging back to the pavilion, heads bowed in dejection, became a recurring theme, culminating in their entire team being dismissed for a paltry 114 runs – a total well below par for a T20 final.

The Architects of Destruction: Pakistan’s Bowling Prowess

While Sri Lanka’s collapse was self-inflicted in part, the credit for orchestrating such a dramatic downfall must largely go to Pakistan’s exceptional bowling unit, particularly the dynamic duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz. Afridi, with his characteristic new-ball swing and blistering pace, set the tone early. His ability to generate movement both ways made him almost unplayable in the powerplay, unsettling the Sri Lankan top order and snatching crucial early wickets that prevented them from accelerating.

However, it was Mohammad Nawaz who truly turned the screws in the middle overs. The left-arm orthodox spinner delivered a spell of tactical brilliance, mixing his variations and maintaining impeccable lines and lengths. Nawaz didn’t just pick up wickets; he choked the flow of runs, building immense pressure that forced Sri Lankan batsmen into errors. His pivotal dismissals were not mere breakthroughs; they were catalysts that triggered the avalanche. He tore through the middle and lower order with surgical precision, exploiting the growing panic in the Sri Lankan dressing room. Supported by the disciplined efforts of other bowlers like Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, rotated his attack with strategic acumen, ensuring no respite for the struggling Sri Lankan batsmen. The collective effort was a masterclass in T20 bowling, transforming what could have been a challenging target into a mere formality.

Pakistan’s Measured Chase: No Room for Complacency

Early Jitters or Solid Foundation?

Chasing a modest target of 115 in a final, especially after witnessing such a dramatic collapse, often presents a unique psychological challenge. The natural inclination might be to rush, to finish the game quickly, but seasoned teams understand the importance of composure. Pakistan’s opening pair, while known for their attacking flair, began their chase with a blend of caution and intent. There were no reckless strokes, just a focused effort to chip away at the target without taking undue risks. While Sri Lanka’s bowlers, despite the low total, showed commendable fighting spirit, picking up an early wicket or two to inject a glimmer of hope, Pakistan maintained their calm. The pressure of a final ensures that even a small target can feel daunting if wickets start to tumble, but Pakistan’s batting lineup displayed maturity and resilience.

Steering the Ship Home: Nawaz’s All-Round Brilliance

As Pakistan progressed steadily towards their target, it was Mohammad Nawaz, fresh from his bowling heroics, who once again stepped up to deliver with the bat. Entering the crease at a crucial juncture, Nawaz displayed an all-round performance that cemented his Man of the Match credentials. He didn’t just accumulate runs; he controlled the tempo of the innings, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries when they came. His partnership with a more established batsman, perhaps Fakhar Zaman or Iftikhar Ahmed, was instrumental in steadying the ship and quelling any lingering doubts. Nawaz’s calm and composed innings ensured that Pakistan navigated the chase without any further significant scares, guiding his team comfortably across the finish line with several overs to spare. The final runs were met with cheers from the Pakistani contingent, signaling a well-deserved triumph.

A Series Defined: Key Takeaways for Pakistan

The 2025 T20I Tri-Series victory is more than just another trophy for Pakistan; it’s a testament to their continued evolution as a formidable force in T20 cricket. This triumph highlights several key strengths: the formidable depth of their bowling attack, capable of defending modest totals and decimating strong batting line-ups; the growing maturity of their batting, which can adapt to various match situations; and the emergence of genuine all-rounders like Mohammad Nawaz, who can single-handedly turn the tide of a match with both bat and ball. Shaheen Afridi’s consistent wicket-taking prowess at the top, coupled with the tactical brilliance of their captain, Babar Azam, indicates a well-oiled machine ready for future T20 World Cups and major tournaments. This series served as an excellent proving ground, solidifying their strategies and identifying key personnel for the challenges ahead.

Sri Lanka’s Reflections: Lessons from the Final Fiasco

For Sri Lanka, the final proved to be a harsh lesson after what was otherwise a commendable performance throughout the Tri-Series. While their journey to the final showcased significant improvement and resilience, the catastrophic collapse in the ultimate match exposed critical vulnerabilities. The dramatic loss of 9 wickets for just 30 runs indicates a fragility under immense pressure, an area that demands immediate attention. It wasn’t just about poor shot selection; it was a collective mental breakdown that prevented any semblance of a fightback. Sri Lanka will need to critically analyze their batting approach, build mental fortitude, and ensure that their middle and lower order can withstand pressure in high-stakes encounters. This final, despite the disheartening result, offers invaluable insights for their coaching staff to develop strategies for future T20 campaigns and build a more resilient squad.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s victory in the 2025 T20I Tri-Series final was a dramatic and memorable affair. While the headline figures undoubtedly point to the brilliance of Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi, the true narrative of the match was etched in the stunning collapse of the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Losing 9 wickets for just 30 runs, to be bowled out for 114, will be a stark reminder of cricket’s capacity for unpredictability and pressure-cooker moments. Pakistan, however, displayed impeccable professionalism in their chase, securing a well-deserved championship title. This triumph not only adds another feather to Pakistan’s cap but also sends a strong message about their formidable T20 prowess as they look ahead to future international commitments. For Sri Lanka, it’s a moment of introspection, a chance to learn, rebuild, and come back stronger in the dynamic world of T20 international cricket.

---

Disclaimer: This article is based on news aggregated from multiple cricket sources. Cricket Mantra provides analysis and insights to cricket fans worldwide.