Pakistan produced a remarkable run chase to defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the ODI tri-nation series in Lahore on Saturday, October 31. Chasing a daunting 326 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan rode on a magnificent century from Fakhar Zaman and crucial contributions from Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas to seal the title with nine balls to spare.
The victory also saw Pakistan equal India's historic record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI tournament final. India had set the benchmark in 2002 when they chased down England's target of 326 in the NatWest Series final at Lord's, with Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif scripting one of the most memorable comebacks in Indian cricket from a precarious position to secure a two-wicket win.
Pakistan's achievement, 24 years later, put them alongside India in the record books. The triumph was particularly significant for Pakistan, who had not won an ODI tri-series title since the 2008 Kitply Cup in Bangladesh.
Kamindu and Rathnayake power Sri Lanka to 325
After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 325 for eight in their 50 overs, with Kamindu Mendis leading the charge with his maiden ODI century. The left-hander struck a superb 131 off 128 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes to give his side a strong platform.
Kamindu found early support from Avishka Fernando, who scored 38 as the pair added 87 runs for the opening wicket. His partnership with Pavan Rathnayake then put Sri Lanka in a commanding position, the duo adding 146 runs for the third wicket, with Rathnayake contributing an attacking 77 off 65 deliveries.
Pakistan needed breakthroughs, and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi provided them at crucial moments, dismissing Kamindu and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up two wickets each, and Pakistan's bowlers took six wickets in the final 10 overs to restrict Sri Lanka to 325.
Fakhar leads Pakistan home after early collapse
Pakistan's chase suffered an early setback as Maaz Sadaqat fell for five before Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck. At 14 for two, the hosts were under considerable pressure, but Fakhar Zaman refused to let the situation dictate the tempo of the innings.
Fakhar joined Saad Baig to rebuild the chase, and the pair added 149 runs for the third wicket. Baig played a composed knock of 74, while Fakhar took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers, bringing up a magnificent 127 off 99 balls, with 11 fours and six sixes, before Dilshan Madushanka finally dismissed him.
Minhas provides the late fireworks
Sri Lanka briefly sensed an opportunity when Fakhar and Salman Ali Agha departed, leaving Pakistan needing a substantial contribution from their lower order. Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz then produced the decisive partnership, adding 94 runs to turn the contest back in Pakistan's favour. Minhas smashed 61 off just 31 balls, while Nawaz held his nerve at the other end.
Minhas fell with victory within touching distance, and Faheem Ashraf was dismissed for a golden duck. With two runs needed, Shaheen finished the contest in emphatic fashion, launching Madushanka over the boundary for a six.
