Pakistan’s win in the T20I Tri-Nation series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be remembered for much more than the trophy they lifted in Rawalpindi on Saturday (November 30).
The final turned into a night of pure drama, fiery reactions, and a moment that sparked one of the most heated scenes seen in recent Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan bowlers were lethal as they restricted Sri Lanka to a paltry 114 runs with five balls to spare. Kamil Mishara smashed a fifty that took the Islanders over 100 runs. For the Men in Green, Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi each scalped three wickets against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s rage before T20I Tri-Series victory goes viral
Well, the moment that stole the show came during the Sri Lankan innings, leaving everyone stunned.
The drama exploded on the first ball of the 19th over when Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka tried to take on Shaheen Afridi. A slower ball was gripped slightly, and Shanaka ended up slicing a leading edge.
Fakhar Zaman sprinted back from short third while locking eyes on the ball and threw himself into a full-length dive. The Pakistani opener came up from the ground with the ball in his hand, and Pakistan erupted in celebration. But the joy lasted only a few seconds.
The third umpire, Rashid Riaz, went through multiple angles and then delivered a shocker: the ball had brushed the ground as Fakhar landed. The decision was overturned. Shanaka was given not out. Suddenly, the entire atmosphere changed as Pakistani players left in shock.
Fakhar Zaman is furious, Shaheen Afridi explodes after the umpire calls on Dasun Shanaka
Fakhar walked toward the on-field umpires with visible frustration, while Shaheen Afridi looked up toward the umpire’s box, stunned and angry at the same time. Just when emotions were boiling, Pakistan found their instant revenge in the same over.
On the very next delivery, Shaheen Afridi delivered another slower ball. Shanaka misread it completely, and the stumps lit up. The reaction from Pakistan was explosive.
Shaheen Afridi spread his arms wide and turned toward the umpire’s box, clearly questioning whether the Sri Lankan captain was actually out. Even Fakhar Zaman quickly joined in, running from short third with his arms raised high.
Both players directed their gestures toward the TV umpire, turning their frustration over the earlier decision into a fiery and dramatic celebration on the field.
Pakistan lift the T20I Tri-Series trophy after a dominant chase
Earlier, the Sri Lankan cricket team had been cruising earlier at 84 for 1, but once the pressure kicked in, everything fell apart. Wickets tumbled one after another, and they crumbled to 114 all out in 19.1 overs, losing nine wickets for just 20 runs.
Kamil Mishara’s fighting 59 off 47 stood was the only positive for the Islanders. Chasing the paltry target, Pakistan was in complete control, with Saim Ayub scoring 36 while Babar Azam anchored the innings calmly and finished unbeaten on 37.
Pakistan reached 118 for 4 with eight balls left and lifted the trophy in front of a roaring home crowd. Earlier, Afghanistan had pulled out of the T20I Tri-series due to political tension with Pakistan.
Notably, Pakistan is scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka next year for a three-match T20I series, starting on January 10 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.