Fakhar Zaman's Heroics Propel Pakistan to Tri-Series Victory Over Sri Lanka
Fakhar Zaman's Stellar Performance
Fakhar Zaman's remarkable century led Pakistan to a thrilling three-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday. Chasing a formidable target of 326, Pakistan successfully reached 331 for seven in just 48.3 overs, clinching the trophy with nine balls remaining.
Historic Chase
This chase marks the joint-highest run chase in an ODI final, matching India's record against England in the 2002 NatWest final at Lord's. Zaman's innings of 127 runs off 99 balls, featuring 11 fours and six sixes, made him only the second Pakistani player to score two centuries in ODI finals.
The Chase and Recovery
Pakistan's pursuit began with a rocky start as Maaz Sadaqat was out for five runs, and Babar Azam was dismissed without scoring, leaving the team at a precarious 14 for two. Zaman then partnered with wicketkeeper Saad Baig, and together they rebuilt the innings with a solid 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Baig contributed 74 runs off 75 balls before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana.
Zaman continued to lead the charge, reaching his century before falling to Dilshan Madushanka, leaving Pakistan at 220 for four. Following his dismissal, Salman Agha was out for 17, putting Sri Lanka back in contention as they reduced Pakistan to 230 for five. However, Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas stepped up, forming a vital 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Minhas played aggressively, scoring 61 runs off just 31 balls, while Nawaz remained not out with 37 runs. Minhas was dismissed at 324, and Faheem Ashraf fell for a duck, leaving Pakistan needing just two runs with three wickets in hand. Captain Shaheen Afridi finished the match with a six, securing the title for Pakistan.
Sri Lanka's Batting Efforts
Earlier in the match, after Pakistan's captain Shaheen Afridi chose to field first, Sri Lanka set a target of 325 runs, thanks to a maiden ODI century from Kamindu Mendis. Mendis scored 131 runs off 128 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. He formed an 87-run opening partnership with Avishka Fernando, who scored 38, and later added 146 runs for the third wicket with Pavan Rathnayake, who contributed 77 runs off 65 balls.
Despite a strong start, Pakistan's bowlers made a comeback in the final overs, taking six wickets in the last 10 overs to limit Sri Lanka to 325 runs. Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf each took two wickets, helping Pakistan secure the tri-series title with Zaman's century and crucial contributions from Baig, Nawaz, and Minhas.