Sri Lanka edged past Pakistan by six runs in a nail-biting clash to secure their place in the tri-nation series final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Defending 10 runs in the last over, Dushmantha Chameera held his nerve as Pakistan were restricted to 178-7 in their 20 overs, falling short of the 185-run target.

With this victory, Sri Lanka will now meet Pakistan once again in the tournament final scheduled for Saturday.

Earlier in the match, opener Kamil Mishara played a standout innings, smashing 76 off 48 balls to guide Sri Lanka to an imposing total in the must-win encounter. The visitors posted 184-4 after being sent in to bat first.

Sri Lanka recovered well after losing Pathum Nissanka for 8 in the second over. Mishara and Kusal Mendis built a strong 66-run partnership, lifting the score to 82 by the ninth over. Mendis impressed with a quickfire 40 off 23 balls, hitting six fours and one maximum.

Taking full advantage of the powerplay, the pair pushed Sri Lanka to 58 after the first six overs. Even after Kusal Perera departed for 6 off 8, Mishara continued to dominate the Pakistani bowlers. Sri Lanka stood at 96-3 after 10.4 overs.

Janith Liyanage then joined Mishara and the duo added 57 crucial runs, setting the platform for a competitive total. However, Abrar Ahmed’s brilliant spell halted Sri Lanka’s momentum and prevented them from crossing the 200-run mark.

Abrar also removed the well-set Mishara, who struck three sixes and six fours. Liyanage remained unbeaten on 24 off 24, including two boundaries.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler, finishing with 2 for 28 in his four-over spell.