Shaheen Afridi missed his length on the first delivery and was sliced for a four.

Shanaka dispatched the next delivery for a 97-metre six on the off side. The next ball was again struck for a six on the leg side, as Sri Lanka inched ever closer to the target.

The next delivery … wait for it … went for another six! A hat-trick of sixes by Sri Lankan skipper Shanaka.

He then decided to scoop it behind himself but missed it completely, resulting in a dot ball.

The last ball ended in a dot ball too, denying the Sri Lankans their dream finish over the final line.

Opinion

Editorial

Quid pro quo
Updated 26 Jul, 2026

Quid pro quo

Accepting Israel would mean legitimising its violence against the Palestinians, as well as its neighbouring Arab states and Iran.
AI in government
26 Jul, 2026

AI in government

THE Prime Minister’s Office has announced the introduction of an AI-powered digital system and directed ministries...
Cautious optimism
26 Jul, 2026

Cautious optimism

THE latest polio surveillance figures offer some encouraging news regarding the difficult fight against polio. The...
Rampant lawlessness
Updated 25 Jul, 2026

Rampant lawlessness

THE brutal slaying of a judge and his guard in Mastung is the latest in a series of blood-drenched events that have...
Daily fuel pricing
25 Jul, 2026

Daily fuel pricing

THE government’s move to daily petroleum price adjustments should make fuel pricing more transparent and more...
The drug problem
25 Jul, 2026

The drug problem

WHILE Islamabad Police chase low-level peddlers, the capital’s kingpins have quietly taken their operations ...