Chameera and Mishara Lead Sri Lanka to Final with Exciting Victory

Chameera and Mishara Lead Sri Lanka to Final with Exciting Victory

Dushmantha Chameera was the hero for Sri Lanka, holding his nerve in a tense final over to seal a thrilling 6-run win over Pakistan. Defending 184, Chameera gave away just 3 runs in the last over, finishing off a brilliant all-round bowling performance that he had started with a fiery opening spell.

This match was a must-win for Sri Lanka to reach the final. A loss would have meant Zimbabwe taking their place. But Sri Lanka showed great hunger and determination, especially after finally breaking their losing streak in Pakistan earlier in the week.

Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a flying start thanks to a quick 66-run stand in just 36 balls between Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara. Mendis attacked early, especially in the fourth and sixth overs, hitting multiple boundaries. Mishara played a brilliant knock, scoring 76 off 48 balls, while some handy lower-order contributions helped Sri Lanka post a strong total of 184.

Pakistan began their chase well in the first three overs, but Chameera turned the game around quickly. In his first two overs, he took three key wickets, removing Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam (for his second duck in four games), and Fakhar Zaman. Pakistan were suddenly 43/4, and the chase looked nearly over.

Despite the early collapse, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha kept his team in the game. He played a smart and steady innings, building a 56-run partnership with Usman Khan. Later, Mohammad Nawaz hit a big six to bring the target down to just 10 runs needed in the final over.

But Chameera returned to finish what he started. He bowled two clever slower balls, then delivered three perfect yorkers. He dismissed Faheem Ashraf and didn’t allow any more runs, sealing a dramatic win for Sri Lanka.

Salman, who has played every T20 for Pakistan this year, finally showed his potential with the bat. He started slowly but picked up pace, especially against spin. He hit boundaries regularly and kept the scoreboard moving. When Sri Lanka brought back their fast bowlers, Salman stayed aggressive, hitting 10 runs off Dasun Shanaka and a six off Eshan Malinga.

However, in the final overs, Sri Lanka managed to keep Salman away from the strike. In the last three overs, he faced only five balls, and his unbeaten half-century went in vain.