LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the Tri-Nation One-Day International (ODI) Series to lift the title at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Chasing a challenging target of 326 runs, Pakistan reached the target with three wickets remaining, thanks to a brilliant century by Fakhar Zaman, who scored 127 runs and played a decisive role in the victory.
Saad Baig also delivered an impressive performance, scoring 74 runs. The pair built the foundation for Pakistan’s successful chase through a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket.
Arafat Minhas contributed an aggressive 61-run innings, while Hassan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37 to guide Pakistan towards victory.
Salman Ali Agha scored 17 runs, Muaz Sadaqat made five, while Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf were dismissed without scoring.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 325 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Kamindu Mendis was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with an outstanding 131 runs, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 77 runs.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Salman Ali Agha claimed two wickets each.
Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi equalled Wasim Akram’s record for the most wickets by a Pakistani bowler in ODI matches at Gaddafi Stadium. Both bowlers now have 23 wickets at the venue.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Khawaja Imran Nazir were also present at Gaddafi Stadium to witness the final.
The victory secured the Tri-Nation ODI Series trophy for Pakistan after an impressive performance in the final.