Pakistan secured a dramatic victory in the One-Day International tri-series final on Saturday, overcoming Sri Lanka in a high-scoring thriller in Lahore. Led by a commanding century from Fakhar Zaman, the hosts successfully chased down a target of 326, finishing on 331 for seven with nine balls to spare. The result marks a significant milestone, as Pakistan equalled the record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI final, matching the feat achieved by India against England at Lord’s in 2002.
The win ends a lengthy trophy drought for Pakistan in ODI tri-series competitions, with their previous title dating back to the 2008 Kitply Cup. By successfully navigating the pressure of a 326-run target, the team demonstrated remarkable composure, particularly after a challenging start to their innings that saw them lose key wickets early on.
Zaman and middle-order resilience anchor the chase
The pursuit began on a difficult note when Dilshan Madushanka claimed two early wickets, including the prized scalp of Babar Azam, who fell for a five-ball duck. However, the momentum shifted when Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig combined for a vital 149-run partnership. Baig, who notched his maiden ODI half-century, contributed a fluent 74 off 75 balls before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana.
Zaman remained the focal point of the innings, accelerating to reach his 12th ODI century. His aggressive approach yielded 127 runs from just 99 deliveries, keeping the required run rate within reach. Following a brief 57-run stand with Salman Agha, Pakistan found themselves at 230 for five, necessitating a calm finish. Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz stepped up to the challenge, stitching together a match-winning 94-run partnership. Minhas’s half-century ensured the team crossed the finish line, capping off a memorable performance in front of a home crowd.
Sri Lanka’s strong total falls short
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka appeared well-positioned to set an imposing target after being sent in to bat. Kamindu Mendis anchored the innings with a maiden ODI century, scoring 131 off 128 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake provided excellent support with 77. The pair shared a 146-run partnership off 119 balls, laying a solid foundation for the visitors.
Despite the strong start, Pakistan’s bowling attack regained control during the death overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi proved instrumental in the late-innings squeeze, removing both Dasun Shanaka and Rathnayake in quick succession to finish with figures of two for 50. Naseem Shah also contributed by dismissing Sahan Arachchige, effectively restricting Sri Lanka to 325 for eight. While the total was formidable, it ultimately proved insufficient against the disciplined and aggressive batting display from the Pakistani middle order, allowing the hosts to claim the tri-series title and move past the disappointment of their 2025 final defeat.
