Pakistan Script Historic Chase to Lift Tri-Nation Series Trophy

LAHORE: Pakistan produced a remarkable batting performance to overcome Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the home ODI tri-nation series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, successfully chasing down a challenging target of 326 with nine balls remaining.

Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a magnificent 127, while young batters Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas made valuable contributions with impressive half-centuries to guide Pakistan to a memorable title-winning victory.

The hosts suffered an early setback in their pursuit when Dilshan Madushanka struck twice in quick succession, sending Maaz Sadaqat (5) and Babar Azam (0) back to the pavilion. Pakistan were reduced to 14/2, putting Sri Lanka firmly on top in the opening stages.

However, Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig completely changed the momentum with an outstanding 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Both left-handers displayed tremendous composure and attacking intent, registering impressive half-centuries to put Pakistan back on track.

Their partnership finally ended when Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Baig for a superb 74 off 75 balls, an innings featuring 11 fours. Pakistan were 163/3 at that stage.

Fakhar continued his outstanding run and found another reliable partner in Salman Ali Agha. The pair added 57 runs for the fourth wicket, during which Fakhar reached his 12th ODI hundred.

Madushanka eventually brought an end to Fakhar’s sensational innings in the 34th over. The opener departed after smashing 127 from just 99 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and six maximums to provide Pakistan with a commanding platform.

Salman Ali Agha could not capitalise on his start and was dismissed for 17 off 25 balls, leaving Pakistan at 230/5 in 36.5 overs.

With the game still finely balanced, Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas stepped up at a crucial stage. The young pair stitched together a match-defining 94-run stand, bringing Pakistan within touching distance of victory.

Minhas was particularly aggressive, producing a brilliant 61 off only 31 balls, including four sixes and three boundaries. Asitha Fernando removed him in the 48th over and followed it up by dismissing Faheem Ashraf for a golden duck, briefly creating fresh tension in the Pakistan camp.

But captain Shaheen Shah Afridi made sure there were no further complications, smashing Madushanka over the boundary towards square leg to seal the championship in style.

For Sri Lanka, Madushanka finished with three wickets for 63 runs, while Fernando claimed two. Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage picked up one wicket each.

Sri Lanka post 325/8 after Kamindu’s maiden ODI century

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 325/8 after being asked to bat first, with Kamindu Mendis producing a remarkable century to put the visitors in a strong position.

Openers Avishka Fernando and Kamindu provided a solid foundation, adding 87 runs for the opening wicket before Salman Ali Agha broke the partnership by trapping Avishka lbw. The opener scored 38 from 49 deliveries, including three fours and a six.

Salman struck again shortly afterwards, dismissing Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis for eight through a caught-and-bowled effort. Sri Lanka were 109/2 when Kusal departed.

Kamindu then combined with Pavan Rathnayake to rebuild the innings. The duo took the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers, producing an excellent 146-run partnership for the third wicket and pushing Sri Lanka beyond the 200-run mark.

Kamindu reached his maiden ODI century during this stand, bringing up a memorable milestone in the series final. His outstanding innings eventually came to an end when Shaheen Shah Afridi trapped him lbw for 131 off 128 balls, an effort decorated with 12 fours and two sixes.

Shaheen continued his impact by removing Dasun Shanaka, who scored a quick 17 from just nine deliveries.

Rathnayake remained a major threat and brought up an impressive 77 off 65 balls, including eight boundaries, before Haris Rauf ended his resistance.

Pakistan continued to pick up wickets during the closing stages. Naseem Shah dismissed Janith Liyanage for six, while Haris removed Dunith Wellalage after he managed just three runs.

Naseem then claimed his second wicket by sending Sahan Arachchige back for 15 off 12 balls.

Despite losing wickets regularly towards the end, Sri Lanka managed to cross the 320-run mark thanks to some useful late contributions from Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana, who remained unbeaten on six and nine respectively.

Sri Lanka eventually finished their 50 overs at 325/8.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha and Haris Rauf shared the wickets equally, claiming two apiece.

Pakistan’s remarkable run chase, powered by Fakhar Zaman’s match-winning century and crucial contributions from the youngsters, secured the tri-nation series trophy in front of the home crowd in Lahore.