Pakistan Equals India's 2002 Record Run Chase to Win ODI Tri-Series Title
Pakistan produced a record-equalling run chase to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the One-Day International tri-series final in Lahore on Saturday. Driven by a century from Fakhar Zaman, the hosts successfully chased down a 326-run target, finishing on 331 for seven in 48.3 overs with nine balls remaining.
The successful chase of 326 equals the record set by India against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord's for the joint-highest successful chase in an ODI final. In that 2002 fixture, India recovered from losing five early wickets to reach the 326-run target with three balls to spare, led by an unbeaten 87 from Mohammad Kaif and 69 from Yuvraj Singh, before Zaheer Khan and Kaif completed the victory.
Saturday's win secured Pakistan's first ODI tri-series trophy since 2008, when they defeated India in the Kitply Cup final in Bangladesh. It also followed a final defeat to New Zealand in a home tri-series in 2025.
Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig Lead Recovery
Pakistan's innings began with early setbacks as Sri Lanka fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka took two wickets during the powerplay, including Babar Azam for a five-ball duck. Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig subsequently rebuilt the innings with a 149-run partnership for the second wicket.
Baig registered his maiden ODI half-century, scoring 74 runs off 75 balls before being dismissed by spinner Maheesh Theekshana. Zaman continued the pursuit, reaching his 12th ODI century and scoring 127 runs off 99 deliveries. He also formed a 57-run partnership with Salman Agha, who made 17 before falling to Madushanka.
When Pakistan dropped to 230 for five following Zaman's dismissal, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz combined for a match-winning 94-run partnership. Minhas brought up a half-century to guide the hosts near the target before Pakistan completed the win in the 49th over.
Kamindu Mendis Century Sets Up Sri Lanka Total
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka posted 325 for eight in 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis opened with a 51-run powerplay stand before Fernando was dismissed in the 18th over. Kusal Mendis was dismissed shortly after, leaving Sri Lanka at 109 for two.
Kamindu Mendis anchored the innings with his maiden ODI century, scoring 131 off 128 balls with 12 fours and two sixes. He built a 146-run partnership off 119 balls with Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 77.
Pakistan's bowlers limited Sri Lanka's scoring momentum in the closing overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed both Rathnayake and Dasun Shanaka within a two-over span, finishing with figures of two for 50. Naseem Shah later removed Sahan Arachchige, who scored 15 off 12 balls, restricting Sri Lanka to 325 for eight.
