Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by three wickets to clinch ODI tri-series title
Fakhar Zaman's 127 and Arafat Minhas' blistering half-century power Pakistan to a record 326-run chase as Shaheen Afridi seals victory with a six in Lahore.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the ODI tri-series on Saturday, October 31, chasing down a target of 326 runs to lift the trophy at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Chasing 326, Pakistan reached 331-7 in 48.3 overs, completing a memorable victory in front of the home crowd. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi struck the winning six to seal the title after a tense finish.
Fakhar Zaman led Pakistan's pursuit with a brilliant 127 off 99 deliveries, while Saad Baig contributed 74 off 75 balls to keep the chase on track.
The victory came after Pakistan suffered an early setback, losing Maaz Sadaqat for five and Babar Azam for a duck, leaving the hosts struggling at 14-2.
Fakhar steadied the innings and built a crucial partnership with Saad Baig, taking Pakistan towards the target before his dismissal at 220-4 brought Sri Lanka back into the contest.
With the required rate climbing, Arafat Minhas delivered a decisive contribution, smashing 61 off just 31 balls. Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 36, helping Pakistan recover from further setbacks and move within touching distance of victory.
Shaheen then finished the contest with a six, completing Pakistan's successful chase and securing the tri-series title.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 325-8 in their 50 overs after Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi elected to field first.
Kamindu Mendis was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring 131 off 128 deliveries to register his maiden ODI century. His innings included 12 fours and two sixes.
Pavan Rathnayake provided strong support with 77 off 65 balls, with the pair putting together a 146-run partnership for the third wicket. Avishka Fernando also contributed 38.
Pakistan's bowlers fought back in the closing overs after Sri Lanka appeared well positioned to post a bigger total. Shaheen Afridi and Salman Ali Agha claimed two wickets each, while Haris Rauf also picked up two wickets.
The final produced a high-scoring contest between the two sides, but Pakistan's batting response proved decisive as they secured the ODI tri-series trophy on home soil.
Written by
Abdul Habib Khan
Editor
Habib Khan is a Pakistani journalist, writer and editor covering business, the economy, markets and real estate. He has worked with leading Pakistani media organizations. You may reach him at habib.khan@fyipk.com
