CricBengal.com | Sports Desk
Fakhar Zaman produced a superb century before Arafat Minhas delivered a late assault as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets to win the ODI tri-series title in Lahore on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 326 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan reached 331 for seven in 48.3 overs to complete a thrilling victory. The result ended Pakistan’s 18-year wait for an ODI tri-series title, their previous triumph coming in the 2008 Kitply Cup in Bangladesh.
Zaman led the chase with 127 from 99 balls, while Minhas struck a rapid 61 off just 31 deliveries to take the hosts across the finish line.
Kamindu Mendis Leads Sri Lanka to 325
Sri Lanka, asked to bat first, posted 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.
Kamindu Mendis was the standout performer, scoring 131 from 128 balls. His innings included 12 fours and two sixes, marking his maiden century in ODI cricket.
Pavan Rathnayake provided excellent support with 77 from 65 deliveries. The pair shared a crucial 146-run partnership that helped Sri Lanka build a strong platform.
Pakistan’s bowlers fought back during the closing stages to prevent Sri Lanka from pushing the total even higher. Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two wickets, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah also finished with two wickets apiece.
Early Setbacks Put Pakistan Under Pressure
Pakistan’s chase got off to a difficult start as Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam fell cheaply. Sadaqat scored five, while Babar was dismissed for a five-ball duck.
With the hosts under pressure, Zaman joined young batter Saad Baig at the crease. The pair rebuilt the innings with a crucial 149-run partnership.
Baig scored 74 from 75 balls, hitting 11 boundaries. His maiden ODI half-century for Pakistan provided valuable support at a key stage of the chase.
Zaman, meanwhile, played an outstanding innings of 127 from 99 deliveries. He struck 11 fours and six sixes, registering his 12th ODI century.
The partnership brought Pakistan back into the contest, but both batters were dismissed as Sri Lanka looked to regain control.
Arafat Minhas Turns the Match Around
Pakistan were still under pressure after losing further wickets, but Arafat Minhas changed the momentum with an explosive innings.
The young all-rounder smashed 61 from only 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes. His aggressive approach reduced the pressure on the lower order and brought Pakistan closer to victory.
Hasan Nawaz also played an important role, remaining unbeaten on 37 from 45 deliveries.
Sri Lanka briefly threatened another twist when Asitha Fernando dismissed Minhas and Faheem Ashraf on consecutive deliveries. However, Pakistan held their nerve in the closing stages.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi finished the chase with a six as Pakistan reached the target with nine balls remaining.
Pakistan End 18-Year Wait for Tri-Series Trophy
The victory marked Pakistan’s first ODI tri-series title since the 2008 Kitply Cup, when they defeated India in the final in Bangladesh.
The Lahore final featured important contributions from several Pakistan batters. Zaman’s century laid the foundation, Baig helped rebuild the innings after the early collapse, and Minhas provided the decisive late acceleration.
For Sri Lanka, Mendis’ maiden ODI century and Rathnayake’s fluent 77 were not enough to secure the trophy.
CricBengal Analysis: Pakistan’s chase was far from straightforward after losing two early wickets. Zaman and Baig rebuilt the innings with a major partnership, but Sri Lanka remained in contention after their dismissals. Minhas then produced the decisive innings, showing how important lower-order contributions can be in a high-pressure final. Sri Lanka had a competitive total, but Pakistan’s batting depth proved decisive.
Match Summary:
- Sri Lanka: 325/8 (50 overs)
- Pakistan: 331/7 (48.3 overs)
- Result: Pakistan won by three wickets
- Fakhar Zaman: 127 (99 balls)
- Saad Baig: 74 (75 balls)
- Arafat Minhas: 61 (31 balls)
- Kamindu Mendis: 131 (128 balls)
Sources: ICC, Reuters, Pakistan Cricket Board
ICC · Reuters · পাকিস্তান ক্রিকেট বোর্ডের স্কোরকার্ড
Published by: CricBengal.com
