Pakistan Lift Tri-Series Trophy After Epic Chase! Fakhar 127, Minhas Blazes 61* 🔥

Pakistan were crowned champions of the 2026 ODI Tri-Series after producing a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium. Chasing a formidable target of 326, the hosts reached 331/7 in 48.3 overs, finishing with nine balls to spare.

Fakhar Zaman led the pursuit with a magnificent 127 off 99 balls, while wicketkeeper Saad Baig contributed 74. When the match reached its tense closing stages, 21-year-old Arafat Minhas changed the momentum with an explosive unbeaten 61 off just 31 balls.

The final delivered more than a trophy. Pakistan's successful chase matched the record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI tournament final, adding another historic chapter to a dramatic night in Lahore.

Kamindu Mendis' Maiden ODI Century Sets Sri Lanka's Platform

After Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, Sri Lanka's top order took advantage of the excellent batting conditions. Kamindu Mendis anchored the innings with a superb 131 off 128 balls, registering his maiden ODI century.

Mendis was joined by Pavan Rathnayake, whose attacking 77 off 65 deliveries kept the scoring rate high. Their third-wicket partnership of 146 runs put Sri Lanka in a commanding position and created the foundation for a total that threatened to approach 350.

Sri Lanka stood at 255/2 in the 41st over and looked well placed for a huge finish. Pakistan, however, responded with a determined effort from their pace attack during the closing overs.

Pakistan's Pace Trio Pulls Sri Lanka Back

Sri Lanka's progress toward a possible 350-plus score was checked by Pakistan's pace bowlers. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah took two wickets apiece, applying pressure when Sri Lanka were looking to accelerate.

Shaheen finished with 2/50, Haris Rauf claimed 2/60, and Naseem Shah took 2/80. Salman Ali Agha also collected two wickets, returning figures of 2/44 in seven overs.

The late-innings squeeze prevented Sri Lanka from fully converting their strong platform. They closed on 325/8 in 50 overs, leaving Pakistan with a demanding target of 326 in the final.

Pakistan's Chase Starts in Disaster

The hosts could hardly have imagined a more difficult opening. Sri Lankan left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka struck early, dismissing Maaz Sadaqat for five and sending Babar Azam back for a five-ball duck.

Pakistan were suddenly reeling at 14/2, with the pressure of a final and a 326-run target mounting. Madushanka's early breakthroughs gave Sri Lanka a genuine opportunity to seize control of the chase.

But Pakistan found the innings' defining partnership through Fakhar Zaman and young wicketkeeper Saad Baig. Fakhar combined composure with attacking intent, while Baig offered valuable support to rebuild the pursuit.

Fakhar Zaman's 127 Keeps Pakistan's Trophy Dream Alive

Fakhar produced a spectacular innings under pressure, blasting 127 off 99 balls, with 11 fours and six sixes. His century transformed Pakistan's chase after the early setbacks and earned him Player of the Match honours.

Saad Baig played a crucial role at the other end, scoring 74 off 75 balls, including 11 boundaries. Together, the pair added a vital 149-run partnership, pulling Pakistan back into contention after the hosts had lost two wickets for just 14 runs.

The partnership gave Pakistan a route back into the final, but Fakhar's dismissal meant the contest was far from settled. The remaining batters still had to negotiate the pressure of a tense finish against a Sri Lankan side searching for another breakthrough.

Arafat Minhas' Unbeaten 61 Turns the Final Around

With the trophy still hanging in the balance, 18-year-old Arafat Minhas delivered a fearless late-innings assault. He finished unbeaten on 61 from only 31 balls, striking three fours and four sixes at a remarkable rate.

Minhas' power-hitting shifted the momentum decisively. He launched back-to-back sixes in the 48th over, dramatically easing the equation and bringing Pakistan to the edge of a memorable triumph.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi then finished the job in emphatic fashion, hammering the winning runs with a massive six over midwicket. Pakistan reached 331/7 in 48.3 overs, sealing a three-wicket win with nine balls remaining.

Madushanka Strikes, But Sri Lanka Cannot Close It Out

Madushanka was Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker, claiming 3/63 in 9.3 overs. His early double strike threatened to derail Pakistan's pursuit, and he remained a key presence through the innings.

Asitha Fernando took two wickets, finishing with 2/72 in nine overs. Sri Lanka had created pressure at important moments, but Pakistan's recovery and late acceleration proved too much to contain.

The final underlined the challenge of defending a substantial total when the chasing side has both a stabilising century-maker and lower-order power available. Pakistan held their nerve when it mattered most.

Pakistan's Historic ODI Tri-Series Triumph

The victory delivered Pakistan their first ODI Tri-Series title in 18 years. Their previous triumph in this format of tournament came in 2008, when they won the Kitply Cup against India in Dhaka.

Pakistan's successful chase of 326 also equalled the record for the highest successful chase in an ODI tournament final, matching India's famous 326-run chase against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord's.

The Lahore venue also witnessed an extraordinary run-scoring sequence. England had posted 386/5 against Sri Lanka just two days earlier, followed by another first-innings total above 320 in the final. The back-to-back high-scoring contests made for a memorable stretch of ODI cricket at Gaddafi Stadium.

Final Match Scorecards

Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 325/8 (50.0 Overs)

Selected batting performances supplied in the match scorecard. The remaining batting entries and extras were not provided.

Pakistan Bowling

Pakistan 2nd Innings: 331/7 (48.3 Overs)

Selected batting performances supplied in the match scorecard. The remaining batting entries and extras were not provided.

Sri Lanka Bowling

Final Match Summary