Pakistan Win Tri-Nation ODI Tournament, Beat Sri Lanka by Three Wickets in Thrilling Final

*LAHORE (3D Media):* Pakistan clinched the tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) cricket tournament title after defeating Sri Lanka by three wickets in a thrilling final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Chasing a challenging target of 326 runs, Pakistan reached the target in 48.3 overs, losing seven wickets in the process.

Fakhar Zaman was the star performer for Pakistan, scoring a magnificent 127 off 99 balls, including 11 fours and six sixes. His outstanding innings laid the foundation for Pakistan’s successful run chase.

Pakistan faced an early setback when Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck. However, Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig steadied the innings with a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Saad Baig contributed 74 runs off 75 deliveries.

After Fakhar’s dismissal, Arafat Minhas played an explosive innings of 61 off just 31 balls, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37. Their 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket brought Pakistan closer to victory.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi hit the winning six to seal Pakistan’s three-wicket victory and secure the tournament trophy.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with an impressive 131 off 128 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 77 runs. The pair shared a 146-run partnership for the third wicket.

For Pakistan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah claimed two wickets each.

Fakhar Zaman was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century, while Arafat Minhas received the Player of the Tournament award.

The victory marked Pakistan’s first ODI tri-series title since 2008. The successful chase of 326 also equalled the record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI tournament final.