Pakistan produced a remarkable performance under pressure to defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. Fakhar Zaman led the successful chase with a magnificent century as Pakistan chased down a challenging target of 326 to lift the trophy on home soil.
Chasing 326, Pakistan reached 329/7 in 48 overs, completing one of the most memorable victories in their recent ODI history. Fakhar Zaman played a match-winning innings of 127 off 83 balls, while Saad Baig contributed 74 to keep Pakistan in the contest after an early collapse.
Sri Lanka had won the toss and elected to bat first, posting an imposing 325/8 in their 50 overs. Kamindu Mendis was the standout performer, scoring his maiden ODI century with an impressive 131 off 128 deliveries. Pavan Rathnayake provided valuable support with 77 as the pair shared a crucial 146-run partnership for the third wicket.
Pakistan struggled to contain Sri Lanka during the middle overs, with the visitors reaching 238/2 after 40 overs and appearing capable of scoring more than 350. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi led a late fightback, dismissing Kamindu and Dasun Shanaka to slow down the scoring. Pakistan’s bowlers picked up six wickets in the final 10 overs to restrict Sri Lanka to 325.
The hosts suffered an early setback in their chase as Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam departed with only 14 runs on the board. Fakhar, however, kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with an aggressive approach, finding boundaries regularly and putting pressure back on the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Saad Baig joined him at the crease and played a crucial supporting role. The pair added 149 runs for the third wicket, rebuilding the innings and bringing Pakistan back into contention. Saad scored 74 before his dismissal, while Fakhar continued his outstanding knock and brought up his century from just 84 balls.
Fakhar eventually departed for 127, leaving Pakistan with more work to do. Salman Ali Agha also fell as Sri Lanka looked to regain control of the final, but the hosts found another match-winning partnership through Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz.
Minhas played an explosive innings of 61 from just 31 deliveries, including four sixes, while Hasan Nawaz contributed 36. Their partnership shifted the momentum towards Pakistan and brought the required target within reach.
Sri Lanka managed to remove both Minhas and Faheem Ashraf when Pakistan were close to victory, creating another tense finish. However, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi held his nerve and struck a six to seal the win, sending the Lahore crowd into celebration.
The victory marked Pakistan’s first ODI tri-series title on home soil. Shaheen’s team had entered the final after winning three consecutive league matches, including victories over Sri Lanka and England. Although they suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their final group match, Pakistan delivered when it mattered most.
Fakhar’s century proved decisive in the final, while important contributions from Saad Baig, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz ensured Pakistan completed a record-equalling successful chase in an ODI final.
The triumph provides Pakistan with a major boost ahead of their upcoming international assignments and gives the team a trophy to celebrate in front of their home supporters.
