Summary Sri Lanka's 325 proves insufficient despite Madushanka's three wickets
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in a thrilling ODI Tri-Series final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, successfully chasing a target of 326 runs to lift the trophy.
Fakhar Zaman led the hosts' batting effort with a magnificent 127, while Arafat Minhas delivered a sensational late assault to take Pakistan across the finishing line with nine balls to spare.
Pakistan finished at 331 for seven in 48.3 overs after Sri Lanka had posted 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.
The victory came after a dramatic chase in which Pakistan recovered from early setbacks, built a strong partnership through Zaman and Saad Baig, and then relied on Minhas' explosive batting following another middle-order collapse.
Fakhar's milestone
Zaman produced 127 from 99 deliveries, striking 11 fours and six sixes to put Pakistan in a commanding position. He also completed 4,000 runs in ODI cricket during his innings, adding another significant milestone to his international career.
His century came after Pakistan lost Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam early in the chase. Zaman then combined with wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, who scored 74 off 75 balls, to rebuild the innings.
Their partnership helped Pakistan regain control before Baig departed. Zaman continued to dominate, but his dismissal for 127, followed by Salman Ali Agha's 17, brought Sri Lanka back into the contest.
Pakistan were 226 for four after 36 overs, with the required rate climbing and the pressure increasing.
Minhas changes game
Arafat Minhas emerged as Pakistan's unlikely hero, producing an outstanding unbeaten-team effort in the closing stages. He scored 61 from just 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes, transforming the match after arriving at a crucial stage.
Alongside Hasan Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on 36 from 44 deliveries, Minhas rebuilt the innings and accelerated when Pakistan needed 46 runs from the final five overs.
His consecutive sixes and a four against Asitha Fernando in the 47th over brought Pakistan within touching distance of victory. Although Minhas was caught and bowled by Fernando for 61 on the fourth ball of the 48th over, his contribution had effectively turned the match.
Faheem Ashraf fell for a duck on the next delivery, briefly adding to the tension, but Shaheen Shah Afridi settled the contest by hitting the winning six off Dilshan Madushanka in the 48.3 over.
Madushanka finished with three wickets, while Asitha Fernando claimed two.
Earlier, Kamindu Mendis' 131 and Pavan Rathnayake's 77 had helped Sri Lanka reach 325 for eight. However, Pakistan's determined batting effort ensured the visitors' substantial total was not enough to secure the title.
Pakistan eventually won by three wickets, finishing the final in style in front of their home supporters in Lahore.
