Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tri-Series Final Match Report

Pakistan secured a three-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka on Saturday to claim the one-day international cricket tri-series trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The victory concluded a dramatic tournament featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England, which saw England eliminated after losing three of their four matches. For the supporters following the pakistan vs sri lanka contest closely, the final delivered a high-scoring encounter dominated by centuries from both sides.

Batting first in the tournament for the first time, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 325-8. The innings was anchored by Kamindu Mendis, who registered his maiden one-day international century by scoring 131 runs. The target presented a significant challenge for the home side, especially with more than 31,000 fans in attendance.

pakistan vs sri lanka final match

Pakistan experienced a difficult start to their run chase when Maaz Sadaqat was dismissed for five runs and Babar Azam was out for a duck. However, opener Fakhar Zaman mounted a remarkable recovery despite managing only 31 runs across his previous four innings and dealing with a bruised right knee sustained while fielding.

Zaman combined with 19-year-old Saad Baig, who contributed 74 runs from 75 deliveries, to forge a crucial 149-run partnership. During his innings, Zaman benefited from dropped catches by Maheesh Theekshana. The Sri Lankan bowler failed to hold onto return catches when Zaman was on 69 and 106, and later missed a routine chance on the boundary. Zaman eventually reached his century in 84 balls before being bowled by Dilshan Madushanka for 127 runs off 99 deliveries. Madushanka finished with figures of 3-63.

With Pakistan still needing runs, dew on the field made the wet ball difficult for Sri Lankan bowlers to control. Arafat Minhas added a robust 61 runs from 31 balls, while Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 37. Asitha Fernando caused late tension by dismissing Minhas and Faheem Ashraf on consecutive deliveries, but the lower order held firm to reach 331-7 in 48.3 overs and seal the championship.

Fakhar Zaman overcame injury and dropped catches to score 127 and secure a three-wicket victory.

Why it matters

This outcome concludes the tri-series and demonstrates Pakistan's resilience under pressure during a successful run chase at home. The result highlights the importance of partnerships and lower-order contributions when handling difficult fielding conditions affected by dew.