LAHORE — Pakistan clinched the ODI tri-series title after chasing down a target of 326 runs to defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final at Lahore on Saturday.
Fakhar Zaman led Pakistan’s successful chase with a brilliant 127 off 99 balls, smashing 11 fours and six sixes to register his 12th ODI century.
Pakistan lost two early wickets as Maaz Sadaqat (5) and Babar Azam departed cheaply. However, Zaman found a reliable partner in Saad Baig, who scored his maiden ODI half-century, making 74 off 75 balls.
Sri Lanka fought back by dismissing both set batters, leaving Pakistan five wickets down for 230. But Arafat Minhas turned the game around with a quickfire 61 off 31 deliveries, while Hasan Nawaz contributed 37 off 45 balls.
Captain Shaheen Afridi eventually sealed the victory with a six as Pakistan reached the target with three wickets to spare.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 325-run total after being put in to bat. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 131 off 128 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 77 off 65 deliveries. Avishka Fernando also made 38 as the opening pair added 87 runs.
Despite a strong batting performance from Sri Lanka, Pakistan produced an impressive chase to lift the tri-series trophy. — (KIMS)