Fakhar Zaman Leads Pakistan To Win Triangular ODI Cricket Series

LAHORE: Pakistan produced a thrilling batting comeback to defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, chasing down a challenging target of 326 with nine balls to spare.

Spectacular batting sees Pakistan secure victory in the tri-series final over Sri Lanka 💥

📝: https://t.co/hpiOYpz7O2 https://t.co/7md0rayV20

— ICC (@ICC) October 31, 2026

Fakhar Zaman smashed a brilliant 127 off 99 balls before Arafat Minhas delivered a match-winning late assault with 61 off just 31 deliveries, helping Pakistan reach 331-7 in 48.3 overs and lift the tri-series trophy.

The victory came after Sri Lanka posted an imposing 325-8 in their allotted 50 overs, powered by Kamindu Mendis’s superb century and Pavan Rathnayake’s half-century.

Fakhar anchors Pakistan’s record chase

Pakistan suffered an early setback as Maaz Sadaqat departed for five before Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, leaving the hosts struggling at 14-2.

Pakistan win the ODI Tri-Series final, chasing down Sri Lanka’s 325/8 to finish on 331/7 and win by 3 wickets in Lahore.

🔥 Fakhar Zaman – 127

Congratulations Pakistan 🇵🇰🙏 https://t.co/wtEfIx18tY

— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) October 31, 2026

Fakhar then joined Saad Baig to rebuild the innings with a crucial partnership. The pair steadied Pakistan’s chase, with Saad contributing 74 off 75 balls before falling at 163.

Fakhar continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack, striking 11 fours and six sixes in his 127-run knock. His dismissal at 220-4 brought renewed pressure on Pakistan, but the chase remained alive.

Arafat Minhas turns the game around

With Pakistan still needing a substantial number of runs, Arafat Minhas produced a sensational counterattack that changed the momentum of the final.

Arafat Minhas 61(31) vs Sri Lanka | ODI Tri-Series Final 2026 – Lahore | Ball By Ball Highlights https://t.co/EvuZtuF91o

— Danish (@PctDanish) October 31, 2026

The left-hander hammered 61 off only 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes, at a strike rate of 196.77.

He added valuable runs alongside Hasan Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on 37 off 45 balls, while Shaheen Shah Afridi finished the match with an unbeaten six off three deliveries.

Arafat’s dismissal at 324 briefly brought the contest back into balance, but Pakistan needed only two more runs. Shaheen helped complete the chase in 48.3 overs.

Kamindu Mendis leads Sri Lanka to 325

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 325-8 after being asked to bat, with Kamindu Mendis producing a magnificent 131 off 128 deliveries.

His innings included 12 fours and two sixes, providing the backbone of Sri Lanka’s total. Pavan Rathnayake contributed 77 off 65 balls, while Avishka Fernando added 38 from 49 deliveries.

The visitors appeared well placed after Mendis and Rathnayake built a substantial partnership, but Pakistan’s bowlers picked up wickets towards the end to prevent Sri Lanka from pushing their total even higher.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Agha and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets apiece. Haris conceded 60 runs in his 10 overs, while Shaheen returned figures of 2-50.

Pakistan seal memorable tri-series triumph

The final delivered a high-scoring contest in which both teams produced outstanding individual performances. However, Pakistan’s batting depth and Arafat’s late acceleration proved decisive.

Fakhar’s century laid the foundation, while Arafat’s explosive innings ensured Pakistan crossed the finish line to claim the ODI tri-series title in front of their home crowd.

– Won the series vs South Africa.
– Won the series vs Sri Lanka.
– Won the series vs Australia.
– Won the Tri-Series vs England & Sri Lanka.

SHAHEEN AFRIDI IS BUILDING HIS OWN LEGACY AS PAKISTAN’S ODI CAPTAIN. 🇵🇰 https://t.co/CoFG2bSDzu

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 31, 2026