Cricket
Sri Lanka Stun Pakistan to Seal Final Spot After Dramatic Tri-Series Turnaround in Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi, Nov. 27 – Sri Lanka mounted a remarkable comeback in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series, defeating the hosts by 6 runs in a tense final league-stage encounter to secure their place in Saturday’s grand finale. The victory completes a spirited late surge from the Islanders, who began the series with two deflating defeats but responded with back-to-back wins to keep their title hopes alive.
Sri Lanka’s Road to the Final – From Early Struggles to Strong Recovery
Sri Lanka’s campaign began on the wrong foot, suffering a heavy 67-run defeat against Zimbabwe and a 7-wicket loss to Pakistan in their first two outings. Their batting struggled for rhythm, and the bowling failed to contain opposition top orders.
But the narrative shifted dramatically in the last two matches:
Match 5: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – A Statement Win
- Zimbabwe: 146/5
- Sri Lanka: 148/1 (16.2 ov)
Sri Lanka dominated with a 9-wicket win, powered by an authoritative chase that restored confidence ahead of the Pakistan clash.
Today’s Match: Sri Lanka Defend 184 in a Rawalpindi Thriller
Sri Lanka – 184/5 (20 ov)
A superb innings from Kavindu Mishara (50 off 34) anchored Sri Lanka’s approach, supported by contributions from Kusal Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and Kusal Perera. Partnerships were steady, with Sri Lanka crossing key milestones — 100 in 11.1 overs and 150 in 16.2 — setting up a competitive 184.
Pakistan – 178/7 (20 ov)
Pakistan’s innings was rocked early, reduced to 45/4 in the Powerplay, thanks to Sri Lanka’s fiery pace attack.
Dushmantha Chameera, later named Player of the Match, delivered when it mattered most.
Agha Salman (50 off 35) and Usman Khan attempted a rebuild with a 50-run partnership, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve at the death.
Pakistan reviewed twice unsuccessfully in tense moments but ultimately fell short by 6 runs.
Series Summary So Far
| Match | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Pakistan | 5 wickets |
| Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | 67 runs |
| Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | Pakistan | 7 wickets |
| Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Pakistan | 69 runs |
| Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | 9 wickets |
| Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (today) | Sri Lanka | 6 runs |
Pakistan finished the league matches with 3 wins, Sri Lanka with 2, and Zimbabwe with 1.
Final: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – What to Expect on Nov. 29
The final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is shaping up as a high-stakes rematch. Both teams have beaten each other once in the series, making this final evenly poised.
Pakistan Strengths
- Explosive top order (Babar not featured in league matches but expected for final)
- Strong seam attack at home conditions
- Ability to accelerate in middle overs
Sri Lanka Strengths
- Momentum after two consecutive victories
- Improved batting with stable partnerships
- A rejuvenated pace attack led by Chameera and a disciplined spin unit
Key Battles
- Sri Lanka openers vs Shaheen Afridi
- Agha Salman vs Hasaranga/slow bowlers
- Middle-overs match-up: Mendis vs Shadab Khan
Prediction: A Close Final, Momentum Favors Sri Lanka Slightly
With Rawalpindi offering good batting conditions under lights, a totals around 165–180 will be par.
Pakistan remain favorites at home, but Sri Lanka’s recent form gives them a genuine chance to upset the hosts. If Mishara, Mendis, or Liyanage fire again and Chameera continues his rhythm, Sri Lanka could edge Pakistan in a tight contest.
Predicted Winner (slight edge): Sri Lanka – if they bat first and defend with confidence.
Cricket
ICC Delegation Holds Key Talks With President on Cricket Reforms
Senior representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo yesterday as discussions intensified over the future of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.
The ICC delegation, which includes Imran Khwaja and Devajit Sakia, is currently in the country following recent changes within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Their visit comes amid growing attention on governance reforms and the restructuring of the national cricket administration.
During their stay, ICC officials also held meetings with members of the newly appointed SLC administration at the board’s headquarters, where discussions focused on restoring stability and strengthening the management framework of Sri Lankan cricket.
The latest developments follow the appointment of a nine-member Cricket Transformation Committee by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage after the resignation of the previous SLC leadership.
The committee, chaired by Eran Wickremaratne, has been entrusted with overseeing the administration of the sport and implementing a series of reforms until new elections are conducted.
Cricket
ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up
A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.
According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.
The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.
Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.
The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.
The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.
Cricket
LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle
The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.
The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.
Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.
The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.
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