CricBengal.com | Sports Desk
Fakhar Zaman produced a memorable performance in the Pakistan ODI tri-series final against Sri Lanka, scoring a match-defining century to help his team lift the trophy. His 127-run knock not only powered Pakistan’s successful chase of 326 but also saw him equal Saeed Anwar’s record for the most centuries by a Pakistani batter in ODI tournament finals.
The final was played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, October 31. Sri Lanka posted 325 for 8 in 50 overs. Pakistan responded with 331 for 7 in 48.3 overs to secure a three-wicket victory with nine balls remaining.
Fakhar’s 127 Leads Pakistan’s Chase
Pakistan’s chase got off to a difficult start as Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam fell with the score at just 14. Fakhar then joined young batter Saad Baig to rebuild the innings.
The pair added 149 runs for the third wicket, bringing Pakistan back into contention. Saad scored 74 off 75 balls, including 11 boundaries.
Fakhar, meanwhile, continued to attack the Sri Lankan bowlers. He reached his 12th ODI century in 84 balls and eventually scored 127 from 99 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and six sixes. Dilshan Madushanka dismissed him during the 34th over.
Arafat Minhas later scored a quickfire 61, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37 to guide Pakistan to victory.
Second ODI Tournament Final Century
The century against Sri Lanka was Fakhar’s second in an ODI tournament final. His first came in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final against India at The Oval, where he scored 114.
Saeed Anwar had previously scored two centuries in ODI tournament finals. He reached the milestone with hundreds in the 1993 Wills Trophy final against Sri Lanka and the 1998 Silver Jubilee Independence Cup final against India.
Fakhar’s latest achievement puts him alongside Anwar as the Pakistani batter with the most centuries in ODI tournament finals.
Fakhar Crosses 4,000 ODI Runs
The innings also helped Fakhar reach another major career milestone. He crossed 4,000 runs in One-Day Internationals, becoming the 16th Pakistani batter to achieve the feat.
According to the available career figures, Fakhar now has 4,019 runs from 96 ODI innings at an average of 44.65 and a strike rate of 93.57. His record includes 12 centuries and 19 half-centuries.
CricBengal Analysis
Fakhar’s innings was central to Pakistan’s title-winning chase. After the early loss of two wickets, his partnership with Saad Baig restored stability and gave the hosts a platform to pursue the target. Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz then provided the finishing contribution.
By matching Saeed Anwar’s record and crossing the 4,000-run mark in the same match, Fakhar turned the Lahore final into a significant milestone in his ODI career.
Sources: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Reuters, Geo Super
Publisher: CricBengal.com
