Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka to Win Tri-Nation Series, Fakhar Zaman Scores Century
Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka to Win Tri-Nation Series as Fakhar Zaman Smashes Brilliant Century
Pakistan clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the tri-nation series final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, with Fakhar Zaman producing a magnificent century to guide the hosts to a record-equalling successful run chase.
Pakistan chased down a challenging target of 326 runs, scoring 331 for seven in 49 overs to lift the trophy. The victory also marked P akistan’s first triumph in a tri-nation ODI series on home soil and their first title in a home-based tri-series since 2008.
Sri Lanka posted 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs after being put into bat. Kamindu Mendis led the innings with an outstanding 131 off 128 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. The knock marked his maiden ODI century.
He received strong support from Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 77 off 65 balls, as the pair added a crucial 146-run partnership for the third wicket.
Avishka Fernando contributed 38 runs, while Dasun Shanaka added 17 and Sahan Arachchige scored 15 towards the end of the innings.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets each.
Fakhar Zaman Leads Pakistan’s Historic Chase
Pakistan’s chase was powered by an outstanding performance from opener Fakhar Zaman, who smashed 127 off just 99 balls. His innings featured 11 fours and six sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Saad Baig also played an important role, scoring 74 runs with the help of 11 boundaries.
All-rounder Arafat Minhas delivered a match-defining performance, scoring 61 off just 31 balls, including four sixes and three fours.
Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the victory with a six in the 49th over.
Fakhar Zaman Named Player of the Match
Speaking after the match, Fakhar Zaman said he was delighted to deliver a big performance in the final after struggling to score runs in previous matches.
He explained that he had been working hard to regain his form and was eager to play a substantial innings for his team.
Arafat Minhas Wins Player of the Tournament
Arafat Minhas was named Player of the Tournament for his impressive performances throughout the competition.
His explosive 61-run innings in the final further highlighted his contribution to Pakistan’s title-winning campaign.
Minhas said the team remained confident of chasing the challenging target and believed that one of the players needed to take responsibility and produce a special performance.
Shaheen Afridi Says Pakistan Have Started World Cup Preparations
Pakista’n captain Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed happiness over winning the final, praising the team’s collective effort.
He said the players performed exceptionally well and described the victory as the result of strong teamwork.
Shaheen also confirmed that Pakistan had started preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Faheem Ashraf in place of Shadab Khan, who was ruled out due to injury after being struck by a bouncer during the previous match.
Sri Lanka also made one change, with Maheesh Theekshana replacing Eshan Malinga.
The victory provided Pakistan with a major confidence boost as the team continued its preparations for upcoming international assignments.
