Fakhar Zaman overcame a lean spell and a significant knee injury to power Pakistan to a three-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the one-day international cricket tri-series final on Saturday. Playing at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Zaman struck 127 to steer his side to a winning total of 331-7 in 48.3 overs, successfully chasing down Sri Lanka’s 325-8.
Sri Lanka, batting first for the tournament’s first time, relied on a maiden ODI century from Kamindu Mendis, who scored 131. Pakistan’s pursuit began poorly as they lost Maaz Sadaqat for 5 and Babar Azam for a duck, leaving the 31,265 home spectators in silence. However, Zaman spearheaded the recovery alongside 19-year-old Saad Baig, who contributed 74 off 75 balls, forming a crucial 149-run partnership. They put up a 149-run stand.
Zaman’s innings was marked by survival, as Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana failed to convert two catching opportunities when the opener was on 69 and 106. After reaching his century in 84 balls, Zaman was eventually bowled by Dilshan Madushanka for 127 in the 34th over. Madushanka finished the match with figures of 3-63, providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors as Pakistan still required 106 runs. Zaman’s 99-ball knock finally ended in the 34th over when he was clean bowled by Dilshan Madushanka with Pakistan still 106 runs from victory.
The wet outfield, hampered by heavy dew, proved difficult for the Sri Lankan bowlers. Arafat Minhas provided a late surge with a rapid 61 off 31 balls, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37. Despite Asitha Fernando capturing two wickets in consecutive deliveries—dismissing Minhas and Faheem Ashraf—Pakistan held their composure to claim the title. The tri-series also featured England, which was eliminated after losing three of its four matches. Zaman came into the final with only 31 runs in his last four innings and spent most of the time in the dressing room after injuring his right knee while fielding. The wet ball couldn’t help Sri Lanka as the young pair of Minhas and Hasan Nawaz (37 not out) kept their nerve before Asitha Fernando (2-72) added to the drama by bagging the wickets of Minhas and Faheem Ashraf off succe.
