Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE: Pakistan clinched the ODI tri-series title after securing a dramatic three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Spearheaded by a monumental, record-breaking century from veteran left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman and crucial supporting knocks from Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas, the hosts successfully chased down a daunting target of 326 with nine balls to spare.
Chasing a challenging target of 326, Pakistan faced early jitters when Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka struck twice in his opening two overs. He dismissed emerging opener Maaz Sadaqat (5) and star batsman Babar Azam (0) in quick succession, leaving the hosts stuttering at a precarious 14 for 2.
However, young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig joined Fakhar Zaman at the crease to launch a sensational rescue mission. The duo constructed a magnificent 149-run partnership for the third wicket, completely shifting the momentum back in Pakistan's favor. Saad contributed a sparkling 74 off 75 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries, before Maheesh Theekshana broke the stand in the 27th over.
Continuing his phenomenal touch, Fakhar Zaman anchored the chase brilliantly and brought an end to his century drought with a majestic knock. The 36-year-old left-hander hammered 127 runs off just 99 deliveries, featuring 11 boundaries and six towering maximums, marking his 12th ODI century.
Fakhar then shared a vital 57-run stand for the fourth wicket with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha (17) before Madushanka cleaned him up in the 34th over. Despite his departure, the foundation for victory was firmly set.
As the innings progressed into the closing stages, youngsters Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas stepped up with a crucial 94-run partnership. Minhas played a blazing cameo of 61 runs from only 31 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours.
Although a late double-strike by Asitha Fernando in the 48th over caused a sudden flutter, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi kept his cool. On the third delivery of the penultimate over, Shaheen smashed Madushanka for a massive six towards the square-leg boundary to seal a memorable victory for Pakistan. Dilshan Madushanka was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers with figures of 3 for 63.
Earlier, put in to bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 325 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Kamindu Mendis played a sensational, career-best innings of 131 off 128 balls, supported brilliantly by Pavan Rathnayake, who contributed an aggressive 77 off 65 deliveries. Together, they formed a massive 146-run third-wicket partnership.
Despite late breakthroughs from Pakistan’s bowling attack—where captain Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets each—Sri Lanka crossed the 300-run mark, setting up a thrilling final that ultimately ended in Pakistan's favor.
