Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets to win the one-day international tri-series final in Lahore on Saturday, thanks to a brilliant century from Fakhar Zaman.Despite struggling with a knee injury and poor form before the match, Zaman scored 127 runs to guide Pakistan towards a successful chase of 326.Sri Lanka posted a strong total of 325-8 after batting first, with Kamindu Mendis scoring his maiden ODI century, an impressive 131. However, Pakistan’s batters handled the chase well despite losing Maaz Sadaqat for five and Babar Azam for a duck early on.Zaman found support from 19-year-old Saad Baig, who scored 74 runs off 75 balls. The pair added 149 runs to bring Pakistan back into the match.Zaman, who had managed just 31 runs in his previous four innings, reached his century in 84 balls before getting bowled by Dilshan Madushanka for 127.Sri Lanka also missed several chances to dismiss Zaman, with Maheesh Theekshana dropping him three times, including twice when he was on 69 and 106.
Minhas and Nawaz finish the job
With Pakistan still needing 106 runs after Zaman’s dismissal, Arafat Minhas stepped up with a quick 61 off just 31 balls. Hasan Nawaz also remained unbeaten on 37 to help Pakistan reach 331-7 in 48.3 overs.Sri Lanka tried to fight back through Asitha Fernando, who dismissed Minhas and Faheem Ashraf in successive deliveries. However, the visitors could not stop Pakistan from completing the chase and lifting the trophy.Meanwhile, England were knocked out of the tri-series after losing three of their four matches.
