Pakistan and Sri Lanka Clash in ODI Tri-Series Final in Lahore
The final match of the ODI tri-series unfolds at Gaddafi Stadium as Pakistan chases Sri Lanka's target of 325 runs.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka met in the final of the ODI Tri-Series on Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, delivering a tense and competitive limited-overs match. During the second innings of the championship fixture, Pakistan reached 197 runs for the loss of 3 wickets after 31 overs. Batter Fakhar Zaman led the chase, remaining unbeaten on 106 runs from 89 deliveries, alongside Salman Agha, who contributed 10 runs from 10 balls.
Earlier in the contest, Sri Lanka won the toss and posted a formidable total of 325 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The standout performance for the visitors came from Kamindu Mendis, who anchored the innings with a brilliant knock of 131 runs. Other contributors in the Sri Lankan batting lineup included Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, and Sahan Arachchige, though the team lost wickets steadily toward the end of their innings before being bowled out or finishing their overs.
The path to the final for both teams involved contrasting fortunes during the round-robin stage of the tournament. Pakistan secured their qualification early by winning their first three matches of the series. However, they suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka on October 27, when they were restricted to a meager total of 110 runs. Despite that setback, the tournament hosts advanced to the championship match with high expectations and a seasoned bowling lineup.
Sri Lanka earned their spot in the final during the later stages of the league phase. The team secured crucial victories over England, including an eight-wicket win and a narrow two-wicket triumph. Although the Lankans entered the final following a 55-run loss to England—a match that featured strong individual performances such as 118 runs from Pavan Rathnayake and 89 runs from Kusal Mendis—they maintained momentum throughout the series.
Team selections for the final reflected recent tactical adjustments made by both coaching staffs. Pakistan made notable lineup changes during the latter stages of the group fixtures, bringing in players like Maaz Sadaqat and Naseem Shah, while veteran fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf anchored the bowling attack. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka kept a consistent roster, fielding an unchanged playing XI across their final matches of the tri-series under the leadership of captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.
As the match progressed into the later overs, the atmosphere at Gaddafi Stadium remained electric. Bowlers such as Dunith Wellalage and Asitha Fernando worked diligently for Sri Lanka to break Pakistan's batting partnerships, while the home side fought to keep their required run rate in check. With the trophy on the line, cricket fans witnessed a dramatic conclusion to the multi-nation tournament hosted in Pakistan.