Fakhar Zaman's 127 and Arafat Minhas' Blitz Seal Thrilling Tri-Series Win

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-11-01

Pakistan pulled off a nail-biting three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final, thanks to a stunning century from Fakhar Zaman and a rapid-fire 61 from Arafat Minhas. The match, held on October 31, 2026, at a packed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, had fans on the edge of their seats until the very last over. ### Kamindu Mendis' Maiden Century Sets the Stage Sri Lanka, put in to bat by Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, got off to a solid start. Openers Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando added 50 runs inside the first ten overs. Avishka looked good for his 38 off 49 balls before Salman Ali Agha had him caught in the 18th over. Four overs later, Salman struck again to dismiss Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis, leaving the visitors at 109 for 2. That brought Kamindu Mendis and Sahan Arachchige together, and they built a crucial partnership. Mendis brought up his maiden ODI century off 107 balls in the 34th over, eventually scoring 131 off 128 deliveries with 12 fours and two sixes. Arachchige contributed 77 off 65 balls, and the pair shared a 146-run stand for the third wicket off 119 balls. Sri Lanka reached 238 for 2 after 40 overs. Shaheen Afridi broke the partnership in the 42nd over, and two overs later he bowled Dasun Shanaka for 17. Haris Rauf then dismissed Arachchige, who finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer with 427 runs. Naseem Shah got rid of Janith Liyanage, while Rauf and Naseem removed Dunith Wellalage and Sahan Arachchige. Sri Lanka lost six wickets for 70 runs in their final nine overs, finishing on 325 for 8. ### Fakhar Zaman's Century Anchors the Chase Chasing 326, Pakistan stumbled early. Dilshan Madushanka bowled Maaz Sadaqat for 5 in the second over, and then removed Babar Azam for a five-ball duck in the fourth. Pakistan were in trouble at 12 for 2. Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig steadied the ship with a 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Saad hit 11 boundaries in his 74 off 75 balls. Fakhar reached his 20th ODI half-century off 52 balls in the 22nd over, and then brought up his 12th ODI century off 84 balls in the 30th over. He was finally bowled by Madushanka in the 34th over for 127 off 99 balls, including 11 fours and six sixes. Pakistan slipped to 230 for 5 in the 37th over when Salman Agha fell for 17. They still needed 96 runs from the last 78 deliveries. ### Arafat Minhas' Blitz Seals the Deal Enter Arafat Minhas. The young batsman took the attack to the bowlers, reaching his half-century off just 28 balls. He and Hasan Nawaz added 50 runs off 49 balls for the sixth wicket to bring Pakistan close. Minhas finished with 61 off 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes. He fell in the 48th over with Pakistan needing just two runs to win. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the victory by smashing a six over midwicket off Dilshan Madushanka in the 49th over. Pakistan reached 327 for 7 in 48.3 overs, winning with three wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. ### What This Means This victory gave Pakistan their first ODI tri-series title since their Kitply Cup win over India in Dhaka. It was a testament to their resilience, especially after losing early wickets. Fakhar Zaman's experience and Arafat Minhas' fearlessness under pressure proved to be the difference. For Sri Lanka, it was a heartbreak, but Kamindu Mendis' maiden century and Arachchige's consistent performances were positives. The match will be remembered for its twists and turns, and for the emergence of Arafat Minhas as a finisher. > "Arafat Minhas' blitz leads Pakistan to ODI Tri-Series final victory!" - Pakistan Cricket's tweet summed it up perfectly. Pakistan cricket fans will hope this win is a sign of things to come as they build towards future tournaments.