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

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-11-01

### A Final for the Ages You know those matches where you can't look away, even when your team is down and out? This ODI tri-series final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was exactly that. Played at a packed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 31, 2026, it had everything: a maiden century, a record chase, and a finish that'll be talked about for years. Pakistan chased down 326 with three wickets in hand and nine balls to spare, thanks to Fakhar Zaman's 127 and a breathtaking 61 off 31 from Arafat Minhas. It was Pakistan's first ODI tri-series title since the Kitply Cup in 2008, and boy, did they earn it. ### Kamindu Mendis Announces Himself Sri Lanka, put in to bat, got off to a solid start. Openers Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando added 50 inside the first ten overs. Fernando looked good for his 38 off 49, but Salman Ali Agha got him in the 18th. Four overs later, Salman struck again to remove Kusal Mendis, and Sri Lanka were 109 for 2. That brought Kamindu Mendis and Sahan Arachchige together. And what a partnership it was. Mendis brought up his maiden ODI century off 107 balls, and Arachchige, better known as a bowler, played a gem of his own. The two added 146 for the third wicket off just 119 balls, taking Sri Lanka to 238 for 2 after 40 overs. Mendis eventually fell for 131 off 128, an innings that included 12 fours and two sixes. Arachchige made 77 off 65. But then the wheels came off. Shaheen Afridi broke the stand in the 42nd, and from there, Sri Lanka lost six wickets for 70 runs in the last nine overs. They finished on 325 for 8, with Arachchige finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 427 runs. ### Pakistan's Chase: Early Stumbles, Then Redemption Chasing 326, Pakistan stumbled early. Dilshan Madushanka, who was sensational all day, had Maaz Sadaqat caught behind for 5 in the second over. Two overs later, he trapped Babar Azam plumb in front for a five-ball duck. Pakistan were 8 for 2, and the crowd was stunned. Enter Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig. The two calmed nerves with a 149-run stand for the third wicket. Baig, playing only his third ODI, showed maturity beyond his years, hitting 11 boundaries in his 74 off 75. Fakhar, meanwhile, was in his element. He brought up his fifty off 52 balls and then shifted gears, reaching his century off just 84 deliveries. > "Fakhar is the man for the big occasions," said captain Shaheen Shah Afridi later. "He's done it before, and he did it again tonight." Fakhar's 127 off 99 balls, with 11 fours and six sixes, was his 12th ODI hundred and his second in a final, joining an elite list that includes Saeed Anwar. But when he fell in the 34th over, Pakistan still needed 96 from 78 balls. ### Arafat Minhas: The Finisher That's when Arafat Minhas decided to take over. The 21-year-old all-rounder, known more for his left-arm spin, played the innings of his life. He brought up his fifty off just 28 balls, and suddenly, the required rate was under control. Minhas and Hasan Nawaz added 50 off 49 for the sixth wicket, but when Minhas fell in the 48th over, Pakistan still needed two. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had bowled brilliantly earlier, sealed it with a six over midwicket off Madushanka. Fitting, really. ### What This Means For Pakistan, this win is a statement. They've been inconsistent in ODIs lately, but this chase, against a quality Sri Lankan side, shows they have the firepower and the temperament to compete with the best. Fakhar's form is a huge plus, and Minhas's emergence as a finisher gives them options. For Sri Lanka, it's a bitter pill. They were 238 for 2 at one stage and should have posted 350. But cricket is a funny game, and Pakistan, led by Fakhar and Minhas, made them pay. ### Key Performers - Fakhar Zaman: 127 off 99 balls (11 fours, 6 sixes) - Arafat Minhas: 61 off 31 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes) - Kamindu Mendis: 131 off 128 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes) - Sahan Arachchige: 77 off 65 balls - Dilshan Madushanka: 3 for 58 ### The Road Ahead Both teams will take a lot from this series. Pakistan will be buoyed by their ability to chase down a big total under pressure, while Sri Lanka will rue their collapse. But for the fans, this was a reminder of why ODI cricket is still so special. You just never know what's going to happen. And for Arafat Minhas, a star is born.