Fakhar Zaman's 127 Sets Up Thriller as Pakistan Clinch Tri-Series

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-11-01

Pakistan pulled off a stunning three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on October 31, 2026. Chasing 326, they reached 327 for 7 in 48.3 overs, thanks to Fakhar Zaman's 127 and Arafat Minhas' rapid 61 off 31 balls. ### Kamindu Mendis Anchors Sri Lanka to 325 Pakistan won the toss and chose to field, but Sri Lanka's openers Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando started steadily, putting on 50 runs in the first ten overs. Avishka made 38 off 49 balls before falling to Salman Ali Agha in the 18th over. Four overs later, Salman struck again to dismiss Kusal Mendis, leaving Sri Lanka at 109 for 2. Kamindu then took charge, bringing up his maiden ODI century off 107 balls in the 34th over. He went on to score 131 off 128 deliveries, with 12 fours and two sixes. He found support in Rathnayake, who hit 77 off 65 balls. The pair added 146 runs for the third wicket off 119 balls, taking Sri Lanka to 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 Rathnayake, who finished as the tournament's top 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 last nine overs, finishing on 325 for 8. ### Fakhar Zaman's Century Keeps Pakistan in Hunt Pakistan's chase got off to a disastrous start when Dilshan Madushanka bowled Maaz Sadaqat for 5 in the second over. In the fourth over, Madushanka removed Babar Azam for a five-ball duck. Pakistan were reeling at 12 for 2. Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig then rebuilt with a 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Saad hit 11 boundaries in his 74 off 75 balls. Fakhar brought up his 20th ODI fifty off 52 balls in the 22nd over and reached his 12th ODI century off 84 balls in the 30th. Madushanka finally bowled him 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, still needing 96 runs from the last 78 deliveries. ### Arafat Minhas' Blitz Seals the Deal Arafat Minhas then produced a stunning cameo, reaching his fifty 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, with three fours and four sixes, before falling in the 48th over with Pakistan needing two to win. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the victory by smashing a six over midwicket off Dilshan Madushanka in the 49th over. This is Pakistan's first ODI tri-series title since their Kitply Cup win over India in Dhaka. > "Man for the big occasions! Fakhar Zaman is the second batter after Saeed Anwar to score multiple centuries in ODI finals." – Pakistan Cricket **Key performers:** - Fakhar Zaman: 127 runs off 99 balls (11 fours, 6 sixes) - Arafat Minhas: 61 runs off 31 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes) - Kamindu Mendis: 131 runs off 128 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes) - Rathnayake: 77 runs off 65 balls; top scorer of the series with 427 runs - Dilshan Madushanka: 3 wickets for 65 runs Pakistan's victory was built on a record-breaking partnership and a fearless finish, reminding fans why ODI cricket remains so thrilling.