LAHORE (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan won the ODI tri-series on Saturday, chasing down 326 to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final at a packed Gaddafi Stadium, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 127 and Arafat Minhas smashing 61 off 31 balls.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the title with nine balls to spare, slapping Dilshan Madushanka over midwicket for six in the 49th over after Hasan Nawaz had levelled the scores. Pakistan finished on 327 for seven in 48.3 overs, the joint-highest successful chase in an ODI final.
Fakhar, who had spent much of the first innings off the field after taking a blow while fielding, walked out with Pakistan 22 for two inside four overs. Dropped on three and again on 69, he answered the questions over his place with his 12th ODI century, reached off 84 balls, and added 149 with Saad Baig, who made 74 off 75 for his maiden half-century. Fakhar was bowled charging Madushanka in the 34th over for 127 off 99 balls, with 11 fours and six sixes, and left to a standing ovation.
Minhas then came in at 230 for five in the 37th over, with 96 needed from 78 balls, and turned the chase with three fours and four sixes. His two sixes and a four off Asitha Fernando in the 47th over brought the target within reach before he fell, caught and bowled, in the 48th.
Kamindu’s century in vain
Pakistan had won the toss and chosen to field. Kamindu Mendis made 131 off 128 balls and shared 146 for the third wicket with Pavan Rathnayake (77 off 65) to take Sri Lanka to 238 for two after 40 overs. Salman Ali Agha took the first two wickets, including a leaping return catch to remove Kusal Mendis.
Pakistan’s death bowling then pulled Sri Lanka back. Shaheen trapped Kamindu leg-before and removed Dasun Shanaka, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah struck in quick succession as Sri Lanka lost six wickets for 70 in the last 10 overs to finish on 325. Faheem Ashraf replaced Shadab Khan, who was ruled out after being hit by a bouncer in the previous match.
