Sri Lanka they kept Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 A lively campaign with a one-run nine-wicket victory Zimbabwe In the fifth match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Chasing 147 for Survival, Isles produced the most clinical performance of the tournament, led by a sensational defeat Pathum Nislanka.
Zimbabwe post competitiveness despite slow start
Zimbabwe, who preferred to bat first, struggled to stay loose against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. PowerPlay gave limited returns Mahesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga He applied early pressure with a sharp shift and smart variation.
The mid-top saw a brief update, thanks Sikandar Raza‘s counter-attack 37 and Ryan burlComposing 37. The duo nailed a valuable stand to help Zimbabwe recover from a shaky start and finish at a respectable 146/5 in the 20s.
TheEkshana and Haskaranga were Sri Lanka’s wickets, picking up two wickets each while maintaining control over the management ratio. Their spell ensured that Zimbabwe never gained momentum despite the wickets in hand.
A chase dominated by the batting brilliance of Sri Lanka’s pathum Nislanka
Chasing down 147, Sri Lanka produced a tournament-best T20I by the tournament led by the tournament leader who played one of the best T20I innings of his career. Açıkmen was flawless from the start, mixing textbook timing with calculated aggression.
Nissanka anchored the innings beautifully, ensuring there was no pressure on the chasing side at any stage. His strike was smooth, his stroke selection and the Zimbabwean bowlers had no answers. In a stunning 98, a decent century was hampered by a dull deficit just short of a century.
On the other hand, his partner provided solid support which ensured that Sri Lanka scored quickly. Their partnership dismantled the Zimbabwean attack and sealed the chase in 22 balls. Sri Lanka finished at 148/1 in 16.2 overs, to loud cheers from the stands and an emphatic win that sent excitement into the tournament.
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The specialization scenario is heating up
With this win, Sri Lanka faced their hopes of making the final of the Tri-Series alive. The equation is now straight: Sri Lanka need to beat Pakistan in the final league match to qualify for the final. A loss would eliminate them and set up a Pakistan vs Zimbabwe final instead. The upcoming clash against Pakistan is now effectively a semi-final, high-stakes and high-drama action.
Here is the reaction of the fans:
Long time Pathum Nislanka gets an IPL contract. This level of consistency in opening batting is not common among some quality OS openings. A class player. My bets are on DC to bring it back. #IPL2026
– Gaurav Jois (@gaurav_jois) 25 November 2025
Pathum Nislanka on his way to top five Lankan cricket moments this year in a match-winning innings with one six
– Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) 25 November 2025
Pathum Nissanka won the match award for 58 balls, 58 balls, 58 balls including 11 fours and 4 sixes. Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 9 wickets.pic.twitter.com/hhl9fbrtuq
– Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@srilankatweet) 25 November 2025
Most T20I runs for Sri Lanka
2,326 * – Pathum Nislanka (76 hotels)
2,305 – Kusal Perera (89 mehli)#Slvwinter pic.twitter.com/znqbdsok3d– Rana Ahmed (@ranaahmad056) November 26, 2025
– 1305 runs, 45 in middle tests.
– 2823 at an average of 40.91 in ODIs.
– 2326 in T20Is at an average of 31.86.Pathum Nislanka – currently an all-format superstar for Sri Lankan cricket. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/k5gnsxoxiq
– Jitendra Kumar (@Jitendra60203698) 25 November 2025
90 vs New Zealand 🇳🇿 (2024)
98 * vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 (2025)Pathum Nissanka becomes the first batter to hit a couple of 90s in the T20I Run Chase away from home. pic.twitter.com/rervmbeear
– Abdul Rehman Yaseen (@aryaseen5911) 25 November 2025
Sri Lanka finally in an international match today, after losing 8 matches in 8 matches!
pathum nissanka top scores in T20IS:
107 vs Ind @ Dubai, 2025 Asia Cup
98 * vs zim @ rawalpindi, 2025
90 vs nz @ mount maunganui, 2024#Slvwinter #Slvszim– Sudharshan Sridharan (@sudharshansrid1) 25 November 2025
Pathum Nislanka’s brilliance: 98 Off 58 balls *#srilankavszimbabwe #Pathumnislanka pic.twitter.com/lfw4ntq9ji
– Iaam Afridi (@Inaam_afri45087) 25 November 2025
Pathum Nissanka is truly the current all-format superstar of Sri Lanka Cricket, boasting impressive statistics. He averaged 45, 40.91 in 2823 in 4523 and 1305 in 2326 in T20 in 2326 in 2326 in 2326 in Tests. #Cricket pic.twitter.com/s1e6bsztlx
– Mukesh Kumar (@Mukesh7408) 25 November 2025
Pathum Nissanka is the Babar Azam of the Sri Lankan team.
– Waleed 007 🇵🇰🇨🇦🇵🇸 (@waleedhuyaar07) 25 November 2025
– 1305 runs, 45 in middle tests.
– 2823 at an average of 40.91 in ODIs.
– 2326 in T20Is at an average of 31.86.Pathum Nislanka – currently an all-format superstar for Sri Lankan cricket. 🌟
– Hustler (@raksh__it) 25 November 2025
