Pakistan Clinch Tri-Series Title After Beating Sri Lanka in Fakhar Zamans Century

Putting his knee injury and recent struggles with the bat behind him, opener Fakhar Zaman produced a magnificent century in the final. Powered by his explosive 127-run innings and a blistering half-century from young Arafat Minhas, hosts Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets to clinch the One-Day International (ODI) tri-series title.

Chasing Sri Lanka’s formidable target of 326 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, Pakistan reached 331 for 7 in 48.3 overs to seal the victory. Heavy dew made it difficult for Sri Lankan bowlers to grip the ball, and the home batters capitalised on the conditions brilliantly.

Earlier, after being put in to bat, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 325 for 8, thanks largely to an outstanding 131-run knock from Kamindu Mendis. It was Mendis’ maiden century in ODI cricket.

Pakistan, however, found themselves under early pressure in their chase of 326. Openers Maaz Sadaqat (5) and experienced batter Babar Azam (0) returned to the pavilion with the team still on a modest total. Fakhar Zaman and 19-year-old batter Saad Baig then took charge, rebuilding the innings with a crucial 149-run partnership. Saad Baig scored 74 off 75 balls before being dismissed.

Fakhar was handed several lifelines during his innings. Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana dropped two difficult return catches when Fakhar was on 69 and 106. After the left-hander reached his century, Theekshana also missed another relatively straightforward catch near the boundary. Fakhar made full use of those opportunities, smashing a brilliant 127 off just 99 deliveries, featuring several eye-catching boundaries. He was eventually bowled by Dilshan Madushanka in the 34th over, with Pakistan still needing 106 runs for victory. Madushanka finished with three wickets for 63 runs.

Towards the end, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz laid the foundation for Pakistan’s victory. Minhas played a blistering knock of 61 off just 31 balls. Although Asitha Fernando (2/72) brought some late drama by dismissing Minhas and Faheem Ashraf on consecutive deliveries, Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37 to guide Pakistan across the finish line.