Fakhar Zaman's Century Powers Pakistan to Thrilling Tri-Series Glory
Fakhar Zaman's brilliant century and a record-breaking chase lead Pakistan to a thrilling tri-series victory over Sri Lanka in Lahore.
In a high-scoring encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan clinched the ODI tri-series title by defeating Sri Lanka by three wickets. Chasing a daunting target of 326, the hosts displayed remarkable resilience to reach 331 for seven in 48.3 overs, securing the trophy with nine balls to spare. This victory marks a historic milestone, as it stands as the joint-highest successful run chase in an ODI final, equaling the record set by India against England in the 2002 NatWest final.
The Heroics of Fakhar Zaman
The star of the night was undoubtedly Fakhar Zaman, whose explosive 127 off 99 balls dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack. His innings, which featured 11 boundaries and six towering sixes, saw him become only the second Pakistani batter in history to record two centuries in ODI finals.
However, the path to victory was not without its hurdles. Pakistan faced an immediate crisis after losing Maaz Sadaqat for five and seeing star batter Babar Azam depart for a duck. At 14 for two, the hosts were reeling, but Zaman and wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig stepped up to stabilize the ship.
Crucial Partnerships and the Final Push
Zaman and Baig forged a massive 149-run partnership for the third wicket, breathing life back into the chase. Baig contributed a vital 74 off 75 balls, hitting 11 fours before falling to Maheesh Theekshana with the score at 163. Even after Zaman's departure for 127 and the loss of Salman Agha for 17, Pakistan refused to buckle.
When the score sat at 230 for five, Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas took charge. The duo put together a decisive 94-run stand for the sixth wicket. Minhas played a blistering cameo, smashing 61 off just 31 deliveries, including four sixes. While Minhas eventually fell at 324 and Faheem Ashraf suffered a first-ball duck, the momentum remained with Pakistan.
In a cinematic finish, captain Shaheen Afridi walked to the crease with two runs needed and smashed a six to seal the championship in style.
Sri Lanka's Strong Start
Earlier in the match, after being asked to bat first by Shaheen Afridi, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 325 for eight. The innings was headlined by a maiden ODI century from Kamindu Mendis, who scored 131 off 128 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes.
Mendis first shared an 87-run opening stand with Avishka Fernando (38) and later dominated the middle overs with Pavan Rathnayake. Rathnayake played a supporting role with a quick-fire 77 off 65 balls, helping the visitors build a massive total.
Pakistan's Bowling Fightback
Despite Sri Lanka's dominance in the middle, Pakistan's bowling attack showed teeth in the final stretch. The hosts managed to take six wickets in the last 10 overs to keep the target within reach. The bowling effort was well-distributed, with Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf each claiming two wickets.