The victory capped a dominant campaign for the hosts, while Sri Lanka was left to rue missed opportunities in the field. The visitors had set a formidable pace earlier in the day, posting 325-8, anchored by a maiden ODI century from
A Resilient Chase and Key Partnerships
Pakistan’s pursuit of the 326-run target began shakily, with the team losing early wickets as both Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam fell cheaply. However, the innings found stability through a crucial 149-run partnership between Zaman and 19-year-old Saad Baig. Baig provided vital support, contributing 74 runs from 75 deliveries to steady the ship.
Zaman’s innings proved to be the difference-maker. Having managed only 31 runs across his previous four outings, he reached his century in just 84 balls. His progress was aided by a series of lapses from the Sri Lankan fielders; Maheesh Theekshana dropped the opener on three separate occasions, including twice after he had passed the 60-run mark.
Late Order Heroics Seal the Title
Following Zaman’s departure, bowled by Dilshan Madushanka for 127, Pakistan still required 106 runs for victory. Arafat Minhas provided the necessary momentum, smashing a rapid 61 off just 31 balls. Although Asitha Fernando briefly threatened a collapse by dismissing Minhas and Faheem Ashraf in consecutive deliveries, Hasan Nawaz held firm with an unbeaten 37.
The lower-order resistance ensured Pakistan reached 331-7 with nine balls to spare. The result concludes a tournament that saw England eliminated after failing to secure a win in three of their four matches. For Pakistan, the triumph serves as a significant boost, highlighted by the return to form of their senior opener under pressure.
