Pakistan clinched the tri-series trophy in dramatic fashion at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, pulling off a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a high-scoring final. Chasing a formidable target of 326, the hosts overcame early stumbles thanks to a masterclass century from opener Fakhar Zaman, alongside explosive middle-order contributions from Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas, sealing the win with nine balls to spare.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka set a challenging total of 325 for eight on a benign batting surface. Openers Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis laid a strong foundation with an 87-run opening stand before Fernando was dismissed for 38 off 49 balls. Following a brief 22-run partnership involving Kusal Mendis, Kamindu found a formidable ally in Pawan Rathnayake.
The pair shared a dominant 146-run alliance for the third wicket off 119 deliveries, anchoring the Lankan innings. Playing his 37th One-Day International, Kamindu reached his maiden ODI century, top-scoring with a brilliant 131 off 128 balls before departing in the 42nd over. Rathnayake provided late fireworks, smashing eight sixes in a rapid 77 off 65 balls. Despite a late flurry of wickets, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total. For Pakistan, pace trio Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah claimed two wickets apiece, while off-spinner Agha Salman also chipped in with two scalps.
Pakistan’s run-chase began disastrously, reducing them to 14 for two within the opening overs. Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig then stabilised the innings with a crucial 149-run partnership off 140 balls for the third wicket. Baig hit 11 boundaries in his 75-ball 74 before falling with the score at 163. Fakhar then joined forces with Agha Salman, adding 57 runs off 41 balls to push Pakistan to 220 for three.
A sudden collapse saw both set batsmen depart within ten runs of each other, as Fakhar was dismissed for a magnificent 127 off 99 balls, inclusive of 11 fours and six sixes. With momentum shifting, Arafat Minhas and Hassan Nawaz turned the match back in Pakistan’s favour with a blistering 94-run partnership off 65 balls. Minhas blasted 61 off just 31 deliveries, while Nawaz anchored the lower order with an unbeaten 37 off 45 balls.
With just two runs required from 15 balls, two quick wickets injected brief late suspense. Shaheen Shah Afridi then settled the contest in style, launching a towering six to secure victory with 1.3 overs remaining. England, the third team in the tournament, endured a disappointing campaign, managing just a single win from four matches, including an extraordinary loss to Sri Lanka despite scoring 429 runs.
