Pakistan pulled off a remarkable run chase to defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the ODI tri-series in Lahore on Saturday, October 31. Chasing a target of 326, Pakistan reached 331/7 in 48.3 overs to clinch the title with nine balls to spare.
Fakar Zaman led the charge with a brilliant 127 off 99 balls, while Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas made crucial contributions with the bat. The victory also saw Pakistan equal India’s record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI tournament final.
Fakhar Zaman century powers Pakistan to historic win
Pakistan’s chase got off to a difficult start as Maaz Sadaqat departed for five before Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, leaving the hosts at 14/2. However, Fakhar and Saad Baig steadied the innings with a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket.
Fakhar struck 11 fours and six sixes during his 127-run knock, registering his 12th ODI century. Saad provided excellent support with 74 off 75 balls, hitting 11 boundaries to keep Pakistan in contention.
After both batters departed, Pakistan briefly faced pressure. Arafat Minhas then changed the momentum with an attacking 61 off just 31 deliveries, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37.
The pair added 94 runs for the sixth wicket to bring Pakistan within touching distance of victory. Although Minhas and Faheem Ashraf fell in quick succession, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the win by hitting a six as Pakistan finished at 331/7.
Pakistan equal India’s ODI final record
Pakistan’s successful chase of 326 runs placed them alongside India in the record books for the highest successful run chase in an ODI tournament final.
India had achieved the feat in the 2002 NatWest Series final against England at Lord’s. Chasing 326, India recovered from a difficult position through memorable innings from Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif to secure a famous victory.
More than two decades later, Pakistan matched that achievement with their triumph over Sri Lanka in Lahore.
Highest successful run chases in ODI tournament finals
– India vs England – 326 runs (2002, Lord’s)
– Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 326 runs (2026, Lahore)
– India vs Pakistan – 315 runs (1998, Dhaka)
– West Indies vs Pakistan – 285 runs (1993, Sharjah)
– New Zealand vs India – 277 runs (2005, Harare)
Kamindu Mendis century goes in vain
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 325/8 in their allotted 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Kamindu Mendis led the innings with a superb 131 off 128 balls, registering his maiden ODI century.
Avishka Fernando contributed 38 runs as he and Kamindu added 87 for the opening wicket. Kamindu later combined with Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 77 off 65 deliveries, in a 146-run partnership for the third wicket.
Sri Lanka appeared well placed to post an even bigger total, but Pakistan’s bowlers fought back in the final 10 overs, claiming six wickets to restrict the visitors to 325.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Salman Ali Agha picked up two wickets each for Pakistan.
Pakistan end wait for ODI tri-series title
The victory marked a significant achievement for Pakistan, who had last won an ODI tri-series title in 2008. Their latest triumph came after a tense final in which the team recovered from early setbacks to complete a challenging chase.
Fakhar’s century, Saad’s half-century and Minhas’ late assault proved decisive as Pakistan secured the title in front of their home supporters.
