Pakistan Defeats Sri Lanka to Secure Tri-Series Title in Lahore

Pakistan triumphed over Sri Lanka by three wickets on Saturday at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium to capture the ODI tri-series trophy, successfully chasing a formidable target of 326 with nine balls remaining. Fakhar Zaman spearheaded the run chase with a brilliant 127 off 99 deliveries, guiding the hosts to victory under lights in the final match.

After Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi elected to field first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 325 for eight in their allocated 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Kamindu Mendis, who scored his maiden ODI century with 131 runs from 128 balls, featuring 12 fours and two sixes. Mendis initially combined with Avishka Fernando for an 87-run opening partnership.

Following Fernando's dismissal for 38 by Salman Ali Agha, in-form batter Pavan Rathnayake joined Kamindu at the crease. The pair launched a powerful counter-attack, putting together a 146-run third-wicket partnership off 119 deliveries. Rathnayake contributed a brisk 77 runs from 65 balls, hitting eight boundaries before falling to Haris Rauf.

Sri Lanka appeared headed for a total approaching 350, reaching 255 for two after 41 overs. However, Pakistan's seamers rallied intensely in the final nine overs. Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah each claimed two wickets as Sri Lanka suffered a middle-order collapse, losing five wickets for a minimal number of runs and failing to find momentum near the end of their innings.

In response, Pakistan experienced a shaky start to their pursuit. Opening bowler Dilshan Madushanka removed Maaz Sadaqat for five and dismissed Babar Azam for a duck, leaving the hosts struggling at 14 for two in the fourth over. Saad Baig then partnered with Fakhar to steady the innings, contributing 74 runs off 75 deliveries during a crucial 149-run stand.

Fakhar continued to pace his innings masterfully, overcoming a few dropped catches by the Sri Lankan fielders to notch his 12th ODI century. Though Madushanka eventually dismissed Fakhar in the 34th order with 106 runs still required, the left-hander's aggressive scoring left Pakistan with a manageable required run rate.

Late-innings heroics from No. 7 batter Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz ultimately secured the championship for the hosts. Minhas launched an explosive assault, scoring 61 not out from just 31 balls, including four sixes, while Nawaz added 37. Captain Shaheen Afridi sealed the win in style during the penultimate over by hitting a six over the deep-midwicket boundary.