LAHORE (Nazrana Times): Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium, chasing a target of 326 to finish on 331–7 in 48.3 overs.

Captain Shaheen Afridi struck the winning six, securing the trophy with nine balls remaining and sparking celebrations among the home crowd.

Kamindu Mendis Scores Maiden ODI Century

After Pakistan elected to field, Sri Lanka posted 325–8 in their allotted 50 overs. Kamindu Mendis led the innings with his maiden ODI century, scoring 131 off 128 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes.

Pavan Rathnayake contributed 77 as the pair added 146 runs for the third wicket, laying the foundation for Sri Lanka’s challenging total.

Pakistan’s bowlers fought back in the closing stages to limit further damage. Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Salman Agha claimed two wickets apiece.

Fakhar Zaman Leads Pakistan’s Chase

Pakistan suffered an early setback when Babar Azam was dismissed without scoring. Fakhar Zaman then took charge, hitting 127 off 99 deliveries with 11 fours and six sixes.

Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig contributed 74, registering his maiden ODI half-century. Their innings kept Pakistan in contention, although the match remained finely balanced with the hosts at 230–5.

Minhas Turns the Final with Rapid Half-Century

Arafat Minhas shifted the momentum with 61 off just 31 deliveries, including four sixes, bringing Pakistan within touching distance of victory.

Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37, providing valuable support during the decisive stages. When Minhas was dismissed, Pakistan needed only two more runs.

Shaheen Finishes with a Six

Shaheen Afridi arrived at the crease and pulled a delivery from Dilshan Madushanka over deep square leg for a match-winning six.

Fakhar’s century, Baig’s maiden half-century and Minhas’s attacking innings underlined Pakistan’s batting depth as the hosts completed the chase and claimed the tri-series title.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 325–8 in 50 overs (Kamindu Mendis 131, Pavan Rathnayake 77; Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Salman Agha two wickets each).

Pakistan: 331–7 in 48.3 overs (Fakhar Zaman 127, Saad Baig 74, Arafat Minhas 61, Hasan Nawaz 37 not out).

Result: Pakistan won by three wickets with nine balls remaining to clinch the ODI tri-series title.