Pakistan clinched the one-day international cricket tri-series title on October 31, 2026, defeating Sri Lanka by three wickets with nine balls to spare in a thrilling final at the packed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Led by a commanding 127-run knock from experienced opener Fakhar Zaman, the hosts successfully overhauled a daunting target of 326 in front of 31,265 home fans, according to The Associated Press.
The victory capped off a tense chase that saw Pakistan recover from early trouble to reach 331 for 7 in 48.3 overs. During his match-winning innings, Zaman also reached a major personal milestone, crossing the 4,000-run mark in one-day international cricket in his 97th match, as reported by WeNews.
Sri Lanka Sets a Formidable Target
Put in to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a strong total of 325 for 8 in their 50 overs, driven primarily by Kamindu Mendis. Mendis recorded his maiden ODI century with a brilliant 131, steering the innings alongside Pavan Rathnayake, who contributed 77 off 65 balls before holing out in the 45th over, according to Cricbuzz. The pair put together a crucial 146-run partnership for the third wicket, pushing the visitors to 255 for 2 after 41 overs.
However, a late-innings collapse triggered by Pakistan’s pace attack prevented Sri Lanka from pushing toward a higher total. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled full to dismiss Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, while Haris Rauf deployed short deliveries for two late wickets. Sri Lanka managed only 87 runs for the loss of six wickets in the final 10 overs, leaving captain Kusal Mendis to lament that his side fell 25 to 30 runs short.
The Record-Breaking Chase Unfolds
Pakistan’s chase suffered immediate setbacks when opening partner Maaz Sadaqat fell for 5 and Babar Azam was dismissed for a five-ball duck, leaving the hosts struggling at 14 for 2 (or 2 for 14). Overcoming a bruised knee sustained while fielding and a recent lean run of form, Zaman anchored the innings alongside 19-year-old Saad Baig. The pair forged a vital 149-run partnership that shifted momentum back to the home side.
Baig recorded his maiden ODI half-century, scoring 74 off 75 deliveries before giving a return catch to Maheesh Theekshana. Meanwhile, Zaman survived multiple dropped catches by Theekshana—who missed chances when the batter was on 69, 106, and later on the boundary—before being clean-bowled by Dilshan Madushanka for 127 off 99 deliveries, a knock featuring 11 fours and six maximums.
Late-Innings Heroics Seal the Title
With Pakistan needing 96 runs from the final 13 overs after failing to hit a boundary for 10 overs, lower-order contributions proved decisive. Arafat Minhas scored 61 runs off 31 deliveries from the No. 7 position, keeping the required run rate in check. A 15-run over off Shanaka further eased the pressure in the closing stages.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi applied the finishing touch in the penultimate over, striking a six off Madushanka over deep midwicket to secure the tri-series trophy for Pakistan. We were short by 25-30 runs,
Kusal Mendis acknowledged after the match.
Statement knock from @FakharZamanLive! 💯🔥1️⃣2️⃣7️⃣ off 9️⃣9️⃣ balls, with 11 fours and six sixes 💥#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/w0XrtIRbaI
— https://x.com/TheRealPCB/status/2116551611816538526
More on Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman registers a century, anchoring Pakistan’s innings with an impressive batting performance.#FakharZaman #Pakistan #CricketCentury #CricketUpdates #PakistanTV pic.twitter.com/UUborRowmo
— https://x.com/PakTVGlobal/status/2116551516526149974