Fakhar Zaman's Century Seals Tri-Series Title for Pakistan in Thrilling Final Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman proved his mettle in high-stakes matches once again, smashing a brilliant century in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka in Lahore on Saturday. This performance echoed his match-winning century from nearly a decade ago in the 50-over Champions Trophy final against India in England. The left-handed batsman demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, scoring 127 off just 99 balls to guide Pakistan in their chase of 326.

Zaman, aged 36, struck 11 fours and six sixes, turning the tide for Pakistan after an early wobble in their pursuit of the target. Star batter Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, leaving Pakistan at 14-2. However, Zaman rebuilt the innings alongside wicketkeeper Saad Baig (74), forging a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka maintained an advantage as the required run rate escalated.

While Zaman was the top scorer, it was all-rounder Arafat Minhas who ultimately secured the victory for Shaheen Afridi's team. Minhas contributed a rapid 61 from 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes, significantly reducing the asking rate. Although Pakistan lost two wickets with just one run needed for victory, the outcome was never in doubt. They successfully chased the target with three wickets and nine balls to spare, marking the joint-highest successful chase in an ODI final.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted a challenging total of 325-8, with Kamindu Mendis leading the charge with 131 off 128 balls. Pavan Rathnayake added 77, forming a vital 146-run partnership before Pakistan's bowlers managed to restrict the tourists. Pacer Shaheen Afridi took 2-50. This victory marked Pakistan's first ODI tri-series title since 2008, when they defeated India in Bangladesh.

Zaman expressed his relief at performing when the team needed him most. "A good performance was due from me because of how my last matches went. I had been trying to score runs but they were just not coming for me," he stated. "It is good that I am able to get runs in the finals. I have played domestic cricket with Saad and he is a very talented cricketer. I was struggling when he came in and scored some runs quickly which helped me to settle down."

The series also highlighted the all-round prowess of Arafat Minhas, who claimed nine wickets and scored 149 runs, including a match-winning fifty in the final. "The team needed someone to raise his hand today," said Minhas, who was named player of the series. "I was looking to stay calm. We knew they were short of frontline bowlers because of which we took the game deep."

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis acknowledged that his team fell short of a potentially winning total. "We were short by 25-30 runs," Mendis commented. "But we started well, especially in the first couple of overs. Our bowling unit did well in the powerplay, but our mistakes in the fielding cost us which we need to work on moving forward."