Zaman’s Century Powers Pakistan To Tri-Series Title

Fakhar Zaman returned to form with a brilliant 127 as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the one-day international tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. Arafat Minhas also played a decisive role with a rapid 61 off 31 balls as Pakistan chased down 326 to finish at 331-7 in 48.3 overs.

Zaman Leads Pakistan’s Recovery

Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start as Maaz Sadaqat fell for five and Babar Azam was dismissed for a five-ball duck. Zaman, who had managed just 31 runs in his previous four innings and was carrying a bruised right knee, steadied the innings alongside 19-year-old Saad Baig.

The pair added 149 runs, with Baig contributing 74 off 75 balls. Zaman reached his century in 84 deliveries and continued to keep Pakistan in the hunt despite being dropped three times by Maheesh Theekshana, twice off return catches and once on the boundary.

His innings ended at 127 off 99 balls when Dilshan Madushanka bowled him in the 34th over, with Pakistan still needing 106 runs.

Madushanka finished with three wickets for 63 runs, but Sri Lanka struggled to contain the chase as dew made the ball difficult to grip.

Minhas Delivers In The Closing Stages

With the pressure mounting, Minhas provided the late acceleration Pakistan needed. His 61 off 31 balls, along with Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten 37, helped the hosts close in on victory.

Asitha Fernando briefly brought Sri Lanka back into the contest by dismissing Minhas and Faheem Ashraf off successive deliveries. However, Pakistan held their nerve to reach the target with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, Kamindu Mendis had scored his maiden ODI century, making 131 to guide Sri Lanka to 325-8 after they were asked to bat first for the first time in the tournament.

Pakistan’s victory sealed the tri-series title, while England were eliminated after losing three of their four matches.