Sri Lanka Sets 326-Run Target for Pakistan in ODI Tri-Series Final

Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 325-8 in their allotted 50 overs against Pakistan during the final of the ODI tri-series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi won the toss and elected to field first, citing the potential impact of dew later in the evening and the advantage of utilizing the new ball during the opening powerplay.

The visiting side made a strong start, with openers Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis building an 87-run partnership. Fernando was the first to fall after being trapped lbw by Salman Ali Agha for 38 runs off 49 deliveries. Shortly after, Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi dismissed Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis, who contributed eight runs, leaving the batting side at 109-2 in the 21st over.

Kamindu Mendis then anchored the innings alongside in-form batter Pavan Rathnayake. The pair launched a counter-offensive against the Pakistani bowling attack, forging a crucial 146-run partnership for the third wicket that pushed Sri Lanka past the 200-run mark. Kamindu played a stellar knock, bringing up his maiden ODI century before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi for 131 runs off 128 balls, an innings featuring 12 fours and two siis.

Pavan Rathnayake continued the momentum with aggressive strokeplay, contributing 77 runs from 65 deliveries with eight boundaries. Following Rathnayake's dismissal by Haris Rauf, the lower order chipped in with valuable late runs. Sahan Arachchige added 15, while Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on six and nine, respectively, helping Sri Lanka finish their innings at 325-8.

Pakistan's bowling attack shared the success, with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Salman Ali Agha claiming two wickets each. Shaheen and Haris applied pressure in the death overs, restricting Sri Lanka from reaching an even higher total, though the hosts were left facing a challenging target of 326 runs to claim the tri-series trophy.

Both teams made strategic adjustments to their playing XIs for the championship match. Pakistan brought in Faheem Ashraf to replace an unwell Shadab Khan, while Sri Lanka replaced Eshan Malinga with Maheesh Theekshana. Pakistan entered the final seeking their first-ever ODI tri-series victory on home soil after securing their spot in the title clash following a narrow one-wicket win over England during the league stage.