Pakistan secured a thrilling three-wicket victory against Sri Lanka at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to win the tri-nation ODI series. The hosts successfully chased down a challenging target of 326 with nine balls to spare, finishing on 331/7 in 48.3 overs.
Sri Lanka, batting first after losing the toss, posted 325/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Kamindu Mendis anchored the innings with his maiden ODI century, scoring 131 off 128 balls, featuring 12 boundaries and two sixes. Supported by Pawan Rathnayake’s 77, the pair forged a crucial 146-run stand for the third wicket, though a late-order collapse restricted their final total.
Pakistan’s chase stumbled early as they lost both openers for just 14 runs. However, a 149-run partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig put the hosts back on track. Fakhar’s 127—his 12th ODI century—came off 99 balls and included 11 fours and six sixes, a performance that also saw him cross the 4,000-run milestone. Following Saad Baig’s 74, Arafat Minhas provided a critical late-game boost with a blistering 61 off just 31 deliveries, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37. Shaheen Shah Afridi ultimately hit the winning runs.
Match Summary
- Sri Lanka: 325/8, 50 overs (Kamindu 131, Rathnayake 77)
- Pakistan: 331/7, 48.3 overs (Fakhar 127, Minhas 61)
- Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets
