LAHORE, Oct 31: Pakistan produced a memorable batting performance to defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the ODI tri-series on Saturday, successfully chasing a challenging target of 326 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Opener Fakhar Zaman emerged as the architect of Pakistan’s victory, scoring a magnificent 127 off 99 deliveries to guide the hosts to 331 for seven in 48.3 overs. The result ended Pakistan’s 18 year wait for a tri-series title, with the team last winning the competition in 2008.
The successful chase also matched the joint-highest successful run chase in the history of an ODI final, underlining the scale of Pakistan’s achievement in front of their home supporters.
Sri Lanka, after being asked to bat first, posted an imposing 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Kamindu Mendis led the batting effort with an impressive maiden ODI century, scoring 131 from 128 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake provided valuable support with 77 runs.
However, Pakistan’s batters responded with determination and maintained the required scoring rate despite losing important wickets during the chase.
Zaman’s innings proved decisive as he combined attacking strokeplay with calculated shot selection to keep Pakistan firmly in contention. His century laid the foundation for the successful pursuit before the lower middle order completed the job in a dramatic finish.
The victory also provided Pakistan with an opportunity to make amends for their defeat in the 2025 home tri-series final.
Reuters
Zaman and Baig Build Crucial Partnership
Pakistan’s innings did not begin as smoothly as the team would have hoped. Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka struck early, dismissing former captain Babar Azam for a duck and putting the home side under immediate pressure.
Madushanka continued to trouble the Pakistani batting line-up, taking another important wicket and raising hopes of a Sri Lankan victory.
With Pakistan facing the challenge of rebuilding their innings, Zaman joined Saad Baig at the crease. The pair displayed excellent composure and gradually shifted the momentum in favour of the hosts.
Their partnership produced 149 runs and became the turning point of the contest. Zaman took responsibility for keeping the scoreboard moving, while Baig played an equally important role by rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries.
Baig contributed 74 runs, providing Pakistan with the stability they needed after the early setbacks.
The partnership helped Pakistan regain control of the chase and brought the required target within reach. Zaman, meanwhile, continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack, reaching his century and giving the home crowd plenty to celebrate.
After Baig’s dismissal, Pakistan still needed substantial contributions from the remaining batters. Zaman added another 57 runs with Salman Agha, further strengthening the home side’s position.
However, Sri Lanka refused to surrender and continued searching for breakthroughs.
Late Order Delivers Under Pressure
Zaman’s dismissal for 127 brought a fresh challenge for Pakistan, as the team still required important runs to cross the finishing line.
The responsibility then shifted to the lower middle order, where Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz produced a crucial partnership.
The pair added 94 runs, ensuring that Pakistan did not lose their grip on the match during the closing stages.
Their partnership demonstrated the depth of Pakistan’s batting resources and highlighted the importance of contributions from players beyond the top order.
Minhas and Nawaz remained composed despite the pressure of a final, finding boundaries at important moments and keeping the required run rate under control.
Pakistan eventually reached 331 for seven in 48.3 overs, completing the chase with nine balls remaining.
The celebrations that followed reflected the importance of the achievement for the home team, which had been seeking a major ODI tournament victory on home soil.
Mendis Leads Sri Lanka’s Batting Effort
Earlier, Sri Lanka had put together a competitive total after being sent in to bat.
Kamindu Mendis delivered one of the finest performances of his ODI career, registering his maiden century in the format. His 131-run innings came from 128 deliveries and included a combination of well-timed boundaries and calculated attacking shots.
Mendis anchored the innings and ensured that Sri Lanka maintained a strong scoring rate throughout the match.
He received valuable assistance from Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 77 runs. The two batters combined for a 146-run partnership, giving Sri Lanka a strong platform to build a challenging total.
Their stand helped the visitors recover from the pressure of losing wickets and placed them in a position to target a total well above 300.
Pakistan’s bowlers, however, managed to restrict Sri Lanka’s progress during the latter stages. Shaheen Shah Afridi was among the wicket-takers, claiming two dismissals as the home side prevented Sri Lanka from accelerating further.
Sri Lanka eventually finished at 325 for eight, leaving Pakistan with a demanding target of 326.
Although the total appeared competitive, Pakistan’s aggressive approach during the chase ultimately proved decisive.
Pakistan End Long Wait for Title
The triumph carries considerable importance for Pakistan cricket, particularly as the team had previously fallen short in the final of the 2025 home tri-series.
Winning the competition in front of their supporters provides a boost to the side’s confidence and offers encouragement ahead of upcoming international assignments.
The victory also highlighted the importance of experienced batters performing under pressure while younger players contribute at crucial stages.
Zaman’s century was undoubtedly the standout individual performance, but the contributions of Baig, Agha, Minhas and Nawaz ensured that Pakistan had enough batting support to complete the difficult chase.
For Sri Lanka, the defeat will be disappointing after Mendis and Rathnayake had helped establish a strong position. Their batting performance demonstrated the team’s ability to compete against quality opposition, although the bowling attack could not defend the total.
The final also highlighted how rapidly the momentum can change in modern ODI cricket. Sri Lanka had controlled important periods of the first innings, while Pakistan faced early setbacks during their pursuit.
However, Zaman’s determination and the partnerships that followed eventually turned the contest around.
Pakistan’s three-wicket victory will be remembered as a significant home triumph, particularly because of the scale of the target and the pressure associated with a tournament final.
With the trophy secured, Pakistan will look to build on the performance and carry the confidence gained from the Lahore victory into their future international commitments.