Pakistan won the one-day international tri-series final against Sri Lanka by three wickets in Lahore on Saturday, with Fakhar Zaman overcoming a bruised knee to make 127. His century helped Pakistan recover from early setbacks before Arafat Minhas accelerated the chase with 61 from 31 deliveries. Pakistan finished on 331 for seven after 48.3 overs.
Sri Lanka had set up the contest by posting 325 for eight, choosing to bat first for the first time in the tournament. Kamindu Mendis led their effort with 131, recording his first ODI century. His innings left Pakistan facing a substantial chase, which became more difficult when two of their leading batters departed cheaply.
Maaz Sadaqat fell for five, while Babar Azam was dismissed without scoring after facing five balls, disappointing the 31,265 spectators at Gaddafi Stadium. Zaman then helped rebuild the innings alongside 19-year-old Saad Baig. Their partnership produced 149 runs, with Baig contributing 74 from 75 balls to put Pakistan back in contention.
Zaman had entered the final short of runs, having managed just 31 across his previous four innings. He also injured his right knee while fielding and spent much of Sri Lanka’s innings in the dressing room. Despite those difficulties, he reached his century from 84 deliveries and went on to face 99 balls.
Sri Lanka missed several opportunities to remove him. Maheesh Theekshana, making his first appearance of the tri-series, failed to hold chances when Zaman was on 69 and 106, and also dropped a straightforward boundary catch after the opener had completed his hundred. Dilshan Madushanka eventually bowled Zaman in the 34th over, leaving Pakistan needing another 106 runs. Madushanka finished with three wickets for 63 runs.
Dew made the ball difficult for Sri Lanka’s bowlers to control as Minhas and Hasan Nawaz carried the chase forward. The young pair kept Pakistan moving towards the target, with Nawaz finishing unbeaten on 37. Asitha Fernando briefly renewed the tension by dismissing Minhas and Faheem Ashraf with consecutive deliveries, ending with figures of two for 72.
Pakistan nevertheless completed the chase to claim the final. England, the third side in the competition, had already been eliminated after losing three of their four matches.
