WATCH: Livid Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi mock umpire after catch controversy in PAK vs SL Tri-Series final

Livid Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi mock umpire after catch controversy

The T20I Tri-Series final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Saturday, which the former won by six-wickets, witnessed some intense moment towards the third-umpire by Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The incident triggered in the penultimate over of the Lankan innings bowled by Shaheen as it felt he got rid of opposition skipper Dasun Shanaka with Fakhar completing a superb catch running backwards and perfectly timing his dive. While the on-field umpires also believed it was out, the third-umpire after close examination felt otherwise.

As 'Not-Out' flashed on the giant screen, the entire Pakistan team appeared stunned with the decision, leading to intense argument between players and the on-field umpire. Fakhar too expressed his displeasure as more drama unfolded right after the next delivery. This time Afridi castled Shanaka, following which both the bowler and Zaman looked towards the section where the third-umpire was seated and appealed before continuing with the celebration.

PAKISTANI PLAYERS GIVING BELT TREATMENT TO UMPIRES #PAKvSL | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/pgmjafpRSL

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Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz played a massive role in Pakistan's win. He became the country's fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, surpassing Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal, and in the process also reached the milestone of 150 international wickets across all formats. Nawaz now has 86 T20I wickets, trailing behind Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan and Shahid Afridi.

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Winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka's innings was a story of a promising start that spiralled into a dramatic collapse. Opener Kamil Mishara (59) was the only half-century for the visitors. His efforts included two fours and four sixes, helping Sri Lanka recover from the early loss of Pathum Nissanka (11) to reach a solid position of 84/2.

However, after Kusal Mendis (14) and Mishara were dismissed with the score at 98/2, the Sri Lankan innings collapsed quickly. They lost their remaining eight wickets for just 16 runs, getting all out for 114 in 19.1 overs.

Pakistan's bowlers were outstanding. While Nawaz took three wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs, Shaheen Afridi made an impact with an early breakthrough and finished the tail, also finishing with 3 for 18. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed also played a key role, taking two wickets.

Chasing a modest target of 115, Pakistan's run chase was largely controlled, despite a minor wobble. The openers, Sahibzada Farhan (23) and Saim Ayub (36), provided a steady start to the hosts, taking them to 46 for no loss in 7.3 overs. After both openers lost their wickets, Babar Azam anchored the innings with an unbeaten 37 off 34 balls. The match was sealed comfortably in 18.4 overs, as Pakistan reached 118 for 4, securing the tri-series trophy.

- with ANI inputs