Pakistan chase down 326 to beat Sri Lanka and win ODI tri-nation final in Lahore

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the ODI tri-nation series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, October 31, chasing 326 to claim the title. Fakhar Zaman's century, plus key contributions from Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas, helped Pakistan reach the target with nine balls to spare.

Sri Lanka posted 325 for eight in their 50 overs after being sent in, paced by Kamindu Mendis's maiden ODI century of 131 off 128 balls, which included 12 fours and two sixes. Avishka Fernando made 38 as he and Mendis added 87 for the opening wicket, and Mendis later put together a 146-run stand with Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 77 off 65 deliveries. The result gave Pakistan their first ODI tri-series title since the 2008 Kitply Cup in Bangladesh.

Pakistan's bowlers fought back after Sri Lanka's strong middle-order recovery, with captain Shaheen Shah Afridi removing Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah finished with two wickets apiece, and Pakistan took six wickets in the final 10 overs to restrict Sri Lanka to 325.

The chase began poorly for the hosts as Maaz Sadaqat fell for five and Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, leaving Pakistan 14 for two. Fakhar Zaman joined Saad Baig and the pair put on 149 for the third wicket; Baig scored a composed 74 while Fakhar struck 127 off 99 balls, with 11 fours and six sixes, before being dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka.

After Fakhar and Salman Ali Agha departed, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz produced a 94-run partnership to steer Pakistan back into contention. Minhas struck 61 off 31 balls and fell with victory close; Faheem Ashraf was out for a golden duck as the finish approached.

With two runs required, Shaheen Shah Afridi closed the match by sending Dilshan Madushanka over the boundary for six, securing the series triumph for Pakistan.

Pakistan's successful chase of 326 places them level with India's record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI tournament final — India had chased 326 to beat England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord's, a result achieved 24 years earlier by Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif in a two-wicket win.