Pakistan clinch first-ever home tri-nation series title with three-wicket win over Sri Lanka

By Abdul Qayyum

LAHORE – Pakistan won their first-ever tri-nation series on home soil after defeating Sri Lanka by three wickets in a thrilling final, successfully chasing a target of 326 runs at the end of an exciting contest.

Chasing 326, Pakistan reached 331 for seven, inspired by magnificent contributions from Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat and Arafat Minhas. Fakhar was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century.

Pakistan, who won the toss and elected to field, struggled to contain Sri Lanka, who posted 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.

Sri Lankan openers Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis provided a solid start, adding 87 runs for the first wicket. Fernando was dismissed for 38 in the 18th over, trapped lbw by Salman Ali Agha.

Captain Kusal Mendis followed in the 22nd over, falling for eight to Salman, who took a return catch.

However, Kamindu Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake put Pakistan’s bowling attack under considerable pressure, building a formidable 146-run partnership for the third wicket.

Kamindu dominated the innings with a brilliant 131 off 117 balls, striking 12 fours and two sixes. His innings ended in the 42nd over when he was trapped lbw by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Sri Lanka’s total at 255.

Rathnayake continued the assault, scoring 77 before being caught by Babar Azam off Haris Rauf.

Dasun Shanaka contributed 17, while Janith Liyanage scored six as Sri Lanka finished on 325 for eight.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah claimed two wickets apiece. Naseem was the most expensive bowler, conceding 80 runs in 10 overs.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost two wickets for just 14 runs.

Maaz Sadaqat departed for five in the second over, caught by Pavan Rathnayake off Dilshan Madushanka. Babar Azam then fell for a duck in the fourth over, leaving Pakistan in serious trouble.

Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig rescued the innings with a magnificent 149-run partnership, bringing Pakistan back into contention.

Fakhar, who had struggled for runs during much of the series, produced a spectacular performance when it mattered most. He smashed 127 off 102 balls, hitting 11 fours and six sixes.

Saad Baig provided excellent support, scoring 74 off 68 balls, including 10 boundaries, before returning to the pavilion.

After the partnership was broken, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with aggressive batting.

Arafat struck a superb 61, including three fours and four sixes, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37. Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed an unbeaten six as Pakistan crossed the finish line at 331 for seven.

For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka took three wickets for 63 runs, while Asitha Fernando claimed two for 72. Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan’s successful chase secured them a memorable three-wicket victory and their first-ever tri-nation series title on home soil.

Fakhar Zaman was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning century.

Ahsan Raza and Wayne Knights officiated as on-field umpires, while Sharfuddoula served as TV umpire and Rashid Riaz as reserve umpire. Jeff Crowe was the match referee.

Azhar Hussain and Waris Bashir performed the official scoring duties, while Muhammad Arif and Zahoor Alam served as press gallery scorers.