Fakhar Zaman delivered a masterful performance to lead Pakistan to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the tri-series final in Lahore. Despite Sri Lanka posting a formidable total of 325/8, built on the back of Kamindu Mendis’ brilliant 131 and Pavan Rathnayake’s 77, the home side timed their chase to perfection. Pakistan overhauled the target with 1.3 overs to spare, clinching the title in a high-scoring encounter that tested the resolve of both sides.
Crucial phases of the run chase
- Pakistan’s chase was powered by Zaman’s 127, along with important contributions from Saad Baig, who provided stability with 74 runs.
- Arafat Minhas provided a spectacular late-game injection of pace with a 31-ball 61, turning the tide when the required run rate began to climb.
- As the hosts successfully overhauled the target with 1.3 overs to spare, they effectively neutralized a promising Sri Lankan bowling effort that had early success.
Sri Lanka’s innings began with poise, as Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis carefully navigated the new ball. Fernando attacked Naseem Shah in the sixth over, while Kamindu cleared the boundary against Shaheen Afridi to push the score to 51 without loss. Although Pakistan managed a breakthrough through Salman Agha, who trapped Fernando lbw for 38, the visitors remained well-placed. A moment of sharp fielding from Agha, who secured a return catch to dismiss Kusal Mendis, briefly halted Sri Lanka’s progress at 109/2 in the 22nd over. Taking Sri Lanka to 51 for 0, fernando struck two fours and a six off Naseem Shah in the sixth over to inject some momentum while Kamindu hit a maximum off Shaheen Afridi in the 10th over. Pakistan, meanwhile, bowled some tight overs, including a maiden from Haris Rauf to Fernando in the 17th, before Salman Agha capitalised in the next, trapping Fernando lbw for 38. The third-wicket pair added 146 before the partnership ended when Kamindu was trapped lbw by Afridi. With Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis negotiating the new ball before gradually shifting gears, sri Lanka made a steady start after being asked to bat. Taking Pakistan to 50 for 2 after 10 overs, zaman struck maximums wile Baig dealt in regular boundaries.
However, the middle phase saw a century partnership develop between Kamindu and Rathnayake. Kamindu reached his maiden ODI century while Rathnayake accumulated his fourth 50-plus score of the series. They steered Sri Lanka past the 250-run mark in the 41st over before a late-order collapse saw them lose five wickets for just 29 runs. Shaheen Afridi proved pivotal in the death overs, finishing with 2/50, while Sahan Arachchige and Maheesh Theekshana provided enough late runs to reach a challenging 325/8. While Rauf accounted for Rathnayake and Naseem sent Janith Liyanage back, as Sri Lanka lost five wickets for just 29 runs, dasun Shanaka smashed a six and two fours in a quickfire 17 off nine balls before Afridi dismissed him.
Pakistan’s pursuit faced immediate pressure as Dilshan Madushanka claimed the early scalps of Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam. Undeterred, Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig combined for a substantial 149-run third-wicket stand. Baig departed for a composed 74 off 75 balls, while Zaman continued his aggressive assault, bringing up his 12th ODI century in a 99-ball innings featuring 11 fours and six sixes. Following Zaman’s departure and the dismissal of Salman Agha by Dunith Wellalage, Pakistan faced a significant challenge with 82 runs needed from the final ten overs. With 11 fours in his outing, pakistan crossed 150 in the 26th over before the 149-run third wicket stand came to an end when Baig handed a catch back to Theekshana to depart for 74 off 75. Bowled by Dunith Wellalage, leaving Pakistan needing 96 off the last 13 overs, which became 82 off the last 10 overs, salman Agha followed a short while later.
The match turned in the closing stages as Arafat Minhas took control. Supported by Hasan Nawaz, Minhas navigated a difficult boundary drought before striking vital hits against Dasun Shanaka and Asitha Fernando. His 28-ball fifty, characterized by several maximums, brought the equation down to 18 off 18 deliveries, ultimately steering Pakistan home to a memorable tournament win. The match concluded with Pakistan reaching 331/7, underscoring a dominant batting performance in front of the home crowd. Kamindu was given out caught behind off Arafat Minhas but successfully overturned the decision on review. Hasan Nawaz’s scoring was on the slower side but he supported Minhas in building a partnership as they brought the equation to 46 off the last five overs.
