Fakhar Zaman's Dazzling Century Seals Thrilling Tri-Series Final Victory for Pakistan Over Sri Lanka

Opener Fakhar Zaman, battling a bruised knee and a recent slump in form, struck a magnificent 127 to guide Pakistan to a dramatic three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final of the one-day international cricket tri-series on Saturday. Zaman's spectacular innings, complemented by Arafat Minhas's explosive 61 off just 31 balls, propelled Pakistan to a successful chase of 331-7 in 48.3 overs. The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled with the wet ball due to dew at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

Earlier, Kamindu Mendis had scored his maiden ODI century, a superb 131, to help Sri Lanka post a formidable total of 325-8 after batting first for the first time in the tournament. Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing Maaz Sadaqat for 5 and captain Babar Azam for a five-ball duck, much to the dismay of the 31,265 home fans. However, Zaman, who had entered the final with only 31 runs in his previous four innings and nursed a knee injury, resurrected the chase alongside 19-year-old Saad Baig. The young duo forged a crucial 149-run partnership, with Baig contributing a valuable 74 off 75 balls.

Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana, making his first appearance in the tri-series, had multiple opportunities to dismiss Zaman, failing to hold onto catches when the batsman was on 69 and 106. He dropped Zaman again, a seemingly easy chance on the boundary, after Zaman reached his century off 84 balls. Zaman's impressive 99-ball innings eventually ended in the 34th over when he was clean bowled by Dilshan Madushanka, with Pakistan still requiring 106 runs for victory. Madushanka finished with figures of 3-63.

Despite the challenges posed by the wet ball, the young Pakistani pair of Minhas and Hasan Nawaz (37 not out) maintained their composure. Asitha Fernando attempted to inject drama by taking the wickets of Minhas and Faheem Ashraf on successive deliveries, but Pakistan ultimately secured the win. The other participant in the tri-series, England, had been eliminated earlier after losing three of their four matches.