LAHORE: Pakistan clinched the Tri-Nation Series title on Sunday, securing a dramatic 3-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a high-scoring final at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Chasing a formidable target of 326, the hosts crossed the finish line in 48.2 overs, losing 7 wickets in the process. This victory marks a historic milestone for Pakistan, representing their first-ever international tournament triumph on home soil.
Record-Breaking Run Chase
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 325. In response, Pakistan’s innings was anchored by a magnificent century from opener Fakhar Zaman, whose explosive knock of 127 runs off 99 deliveries laid the foundation for the successful chase and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Fakhar shared a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket with Saad Baig, who contributed a solid 75 runs from 75 balls. Following Baig’s dismissal, Fakhar added another vital 57-run stand with Salman Ali Agha for the fourth wicket before being bowled with the total at 220.
Late-Innings Heroics
As the pressure mounted following Salman’s departure for 17, all-rounder Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz turned the tide with a blistering 94-run partnership that brought Pakistan to the brink of victory.
Minhas played a scintillating cameo, smashing 61 runs off just 31 balls before being caught. Though Faheem Ashraf fell for a duck shortly after, Pakistan successfully sealed the win.
Following his standout performances throughout the tournament, Arafat Minhas was named Player of the Series.
