Pakistan tri-series victory was sealed on October 31, 2026, when the side chased down 326 runs against Sri Lanka at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, finishing with three wickets in hand and nine balls to spare.
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Key performances that shaped the win
Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman anchored the chase with a commanding 127 off 99 balls, marking his 12th ODI century and reinforcing his place in the lineup. His partnership of 149 runs with Saad Baig, who contributed a swift 74, steadied Pakistan after early setbacks.
All-rounder Arafat Minhas provided the finishing spark, blasting 61 runs from just 31 deliveries. His aggressive innings, coupled with Hasan Nawaz’s steady 50‑run support, turned the momentum in Pakistan’s favour during the final overs.
How the match unfolded
Sri Lanka posted 325 for eight, powered by Kamindu Mendis’s 131 and a 146‑run partnership with Pavan Rathnayake. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s six in the 49th over, restricted the hosts in the death overs, setting up a competitive target.
Pakistan’s reply began poorly, losing early wickets including a duck for Babar Azam. However, Fakhar’s century and Saad’s half‑century rebuilt the innings. After Fakhar’s dismissal at 220 for four, the chase remained tight, but Arafat’s explosive cameo ensured the required run‑rate was met.
Strategic changes and their impact
The side made notable adjustments before the final, bringing in Faheem Ashraf for the injured Shadab Khan and altering the pace‑spin balance. These moves paid off as the death‑over specialists, especially Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, applied pressure that limited Sri Lanka’s total.
Pakistan’s decision to field first also proved advantageous, allowing the bowlers to exploit early conditions and set a manageable target despite Sri Lanka’s strong start.
Significance of the triumph
This Pakistan tri-series victory marks the nation’s first ODI tri‑series title since the 2013 Kitply Cup in Dhaka. The win comes after a low‑score collapse against the same Sri Lankan side in the league stage, highlighting the team’s resilience and depth.
Fakhar Zaman’s performance silenced doubts about his role, while Arafat Minhas’s striking display showcased emerging talent capable of influencing high‑pressure matches.
What to watch next
With the tri‑series concluded, Pakistan will turn its focus to upcoming bilateral series and the ICC World Cup qualifiers. Maintaining the batting momentum displayed by Fakhar and Arafat, as well as the effectiveness of the revised bowling attack, will be crucial for future success.
FAQ
How many runs did Pakistan need to chase in the final?
Pakistan required 326 runs to win the tri‑series final against Sri Lanka.
Who was the top scorer for Pakistan in the chase?
Fakhar Zaman led the batting with 127 runs.
What was the significance of this win for Pakistan?
The victory secured Pakistan’s first ODI tri‑series title since 2013 and demonstrated the squad’s ability to recover from earlier setbacks in the tournament.
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Source: Dawn
