Pakistan Set Multiple Records in Historic Tri-Series Final; Fakhar Zaman Leads Record-Equalling Chase

*LAHORE (3D Media):* Pakistan’s victory over Sri Lanka in the final of the tri-nation ODI cricket tournament was marked by several outstanding individual performances and significant records.

Pakistan chased down a challenging target of 326 runs in 48.3 overs, losing seven wickets, to lift the trophy and equal the world record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI final.

Fakhar Zaman, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis were among the standout performers in an entertaining final.

*Fakhar Zaman’s Record-Breaking Performance*

Fakhar Zaman played a magnificent innings of 127 off 99 balls, hitting 11 fours and six sixes. It was his 12th ODI century.

With this century, Fakhar became the second Pakistani batter after Saeed Anwar to score two centuries in ODI tournament finals. He had previously scored a century against India in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final.

Fakhar also scored his fourth ODI century while chasing targets of more than 300 runs, the most by a Pakistani batter. Babar Azam and Younis Khan have each scored three such centuries.

He also completed 4,000 runs in ODI cricket in his 96th innings, becoming the second-fastest Pakistani batter to reach the milestone after Babar Azam, who achieved it in 82 innings.

*Arafat Minhas Delivers a Match-Winning Knock*

Young all-rounder Arafat Minhas played a crucial role in Pakistan’s successful chase, scoring 61 off just 31 deliveries, including four sixes and three fours.

He reached his half-century in just 28 balls, producing one of the most explosive innings of the final.

Minhas combined with Hasan Nawaz to establish a decisive 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Hasan remained unbeaten on 37 off 45 balls.

Arafat Minhas was also named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances throughout the competition.

*Saad Baig Scores His Maiden ODI Half-Century*

Young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig scored 74 off 75 deliveries, including 11 boundaries, registering his maiden ODI half-century.

His 149-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman for the third wicket proved crucial in rebuilding Pakistan’s innings after an early setback.

*Pakistan Equal World Record for Highest Successful Chase in an ODI Final*

Pakistan’s successful pursuit of 326 runs equalled the world record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI final.

India had previously chased down 326 runs against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s.

The two teams collectively scored 656 runs in the final, setting a new record for the highest aggregate in an ODI tournament final. The previous record was 651 runs, scored in the 2002 NatWest Series final between India and England.

Pakistan’s successful chase also ranks among the biggest successful run chases in ODI cricket.

*Kamindu Mendis Scores Maiden ODI Century*

Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis produced an outstanding performance, scoring 131 off 128 deliveries, including 12 fours and two sixes.

It was his maiden ODI century.

Mendis shared a 146-run partnership for the third wicket with Pavan Rathnayake, who contributed 77 off 65 balls.

His 131-run innings ranks among Sri Lanka’s highest individual scores in ODI finals.

*Pavan Rathnayake Finishes as Tournament’s Leading Batter*

Sri Lanka’s Pavan Rathnayake emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, accumulating 427 runs at an average of 106.75 and a strike rate of 122.7.

His tally included two centuries and two half-centuries.

He became the third-highest run-scorer in a tri-nation ODI tournament for Sri Lanka, behind Tillakaratne Dilshan, who scored 513 runs, and Kumar Sangakkara, who accumulated 469 runs.

*Shaheen Afridi Matches Wasim Akram’s Record at Gaddafi Stadium*

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets in the final, bringing his ODI wicket tally at Gaddafi Stadium to 23.

He thereby equalled former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram’s record for the most ODI wickets at the venue.

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

*Pakistan Win Tri-Series Title for the First Time Since 2008*

Pakistan’s triumph marked their first tri-nation ODI series title since 2008, when they defeated India in the final of a tournament in Bangladesh.

The latest victory ended the long wait for another tri-series trophy and provided a significant boost to Pakistan cricket.

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