Pakistan Level India’s Historic 2002 NatWest Final Chase

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan batted remarkably to chase down a 326-run target against Sri Lanka in Lahore on Saturday, securing a three-wicket victory and equalling India’s historic record from the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s.

The hosts reached 331 for seven in 48.3 overs at Gaddafi Stadium, completing the highest successful run chase in an ODI final alongside India’s memorable pursuit of England’s 326-run target 24 years ago.

Pakistan go level with India’s famous 2002 NatWest final chase! 🔥

Scorecard: https://t.co/p2X1OH3uoj https://t.co/5ZRIBkCmjr

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) October 31, 2026

Fakhar Zaman led Pakistan’s charge with a magnificent 127 off 99 deliveries, while contributions from Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas ensured the hosts crossed the finish line with nine balls remaining.

The victory also secured Pakistan their first ODI tri-series title since the 2008 Kitply Cup in Bangladesh, ending an 18-year wait for the trophy.

Pakistan end an 18-year wait, winning their first ODI tri-series title since beating India in the 2008 Kitply Cup final in Bangladesh! 🏆🇵🇰 https://t.co/XDnMQbxr2z

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) October 31, 2026

Fakhar and Baig rebuild after Pakistan’s early collapse

Pakistan’s chase began disastrously as Maaz Sadaqat departed for five before Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, leaving the hosts under immediate pressure.

READ ALSO: Fakhar Zaman Leads Pakistan to Win Triangular ODI Cricket Series

Fakhar, however, steadied the innings alongside wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, adding 149 runs for the third wicket to revive Pakistan’s hopes.

Fakhar brought up his 12th ODI century off 84 deliveries and continued to attack the Sri Lankan bowling before falling for 127. His innings included 11 fours and six sixes.

Baig provided excellent support, scoring 74 off 75 balls, including 11 boundaries, in his maiden ODI half-century.

Their partnership put Pakistan back in contention, but Sri Lanka briefly regained control by removing both batters and reducing the hosts to 230 for five.

Minhas delivers decisive late assault

With Pakistan still requiring 96 runs from 77 deliveries, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz produced a match-winning partnership.

Minhas smashed 61 off just 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes, while Hasan contributed an unbeaten 37 off 45 deliveries.

The pair added 94 runs for the sixth wicket, shifting the momentum decisively in Pakistan’s favour.

Minhas fell with Pakistan needing only two runs, while Faheem Ashraf departed for a first-ball duck.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi then hit a six to an emphatic victory. Subsequently, Minhas was named Player of the Series, while Fakhar received the Player of the Match award.

Shaheen Shah Afridi seals the tri-series triumph with a six 🙌 https://t.co/t63l7qfbXD

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) October 31, 2026

Mendis century lifts Sri Lanka to 325

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 325 for eight after Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi elected to field.

Kamindu Mendis scored an outstanding 131 off 128 deliveries, registering his maiden ODI century. His knock included 12 fours and two sixes.

He shared an 87-run opening stand with Avishka Fernando, who scored 38, before joining Pavan Rathnayake in a 146-run partnership before the third wicket.

Rathnayake added 77 off 65 balls, including eight boundaries, giving Sri Lanka a strong platform for a total well beyond 300.

Pakistan’s bowlers fought back towards the end, however, taking six wickets in the final 10 overs to restrict Sri Lanka to 325.

Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah each took two wickets.

A place alongside India’s historic achievement

Pakistan’s victory places them alongside India in the record books for the highest successful run chase in a men’s ODI final.

India set the benchmark in 2002 when they chased England’s 326-run target in the famous NatWest Series final at Lord’s.

India had been reduced to 146 for five before Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif produced a remarkable recovery.

Their contributions helped India reach 326 for eight with two wickets remaining, completing one of the most celebrated victories in the country’s cricket history.

Pakistan have now matched that achievement, chasing the same target against Sri Lanka on home soil.

The result also gave Pakistan a significant boost ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, exhibiting their ability to overcome a substantial target under pressure.

Pakistan’s latest triumph adds another memorable chapter to the country’s ODI history, with Fakhar, Baig and Minhas delivering a chase that will be remembered alongside India’s famous Lord’s victory.