Phew!!! What a cracking contest we have just witnessed in Rawalpindi. The game swung like a pendulum from one side to the other. It was Sri Lanka, in the end, who managed to hold their nerves and get over the line in a tense finish to seal a spot in the final alongside Pakistan. These two sides will be back in a couple of days time to battle it out for the silverware.
For now, that's all we have for you from our coverage. This is Ajay Pal Singh signing off on behalf of my colleagues Dev Rajawat, Paras Yadav and Aman. Goodbye!!!
Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka's Skipper): "I’m really happy with how things have gone - two wins in a row now. As I said earlier, we’re not a team that should be performing the way we did before those wins, so I’m proud of how the boys bounced back. The energy, the body language, the attitude, everything felt different. And today, everyone contributed, which makes it even better.
About holding our nerves, yes, the game went up and down, but the belief stayed strong. Kamil Mishara showed exactly what he’s capable of. He threw his wicket away earlier in the series, but after a few discussions with the seniors and coaches, the response he gave today was outstanding. Then Janith, Kusal Mendis - everyone chipped in with crucial moments.
With the ball, Chameera was all class. He’s been brilliant for us, and seeing him execute under pressure was special. And it wasn’t just him - the whole bowling unit stepped up and played their roles perfectly. Overall, it felt like a complete team performance.
Now, all eyes are on the final. It’s going to be cold again, so yes - hand warmers ready. But the momentum is with us, and hopefully, we can make it three in a row."
Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan Captain): "Yeah, where we came from 40/4, you don't usually chase 180 but we had the chance but could not finish the game. I think it was a good wicket and with dew coming in, we had the chance but could not complete the job.
In the T20 format, if you don't start well with either bat or ball, you are going to lose the game more often than not.
I would have loved it more, if we had finished the game."
Dushmantha Chameera (Player of the Match): "I’m really happy with how the spell went, especially picking up three wickets in the powerplay. The plan was simple - bowl straight, keep it wicket-to-wicket, and mix up the pace when needed. For me, execution is everything, and I’m glad I nailed it today.
Later, when the game got tighter and Pakistan were closing in, the approach had to change a bit. After the dew settled in, batting became easier, so I backed my strength - bowling yorkers. The focus again was on execution and staying calm under pressure. Thankfully, it worked, and it helped us close out the match."