Fakhar Zaman’s century lifts Pakistan to first home tri-series title

LAHORE: In the deciding match of the tri-nation ODI series at the Gaddafi Stadium, the national team chased down a target of 326 with nine balls to spare. It won a tri-series title on home ground for the first time.

Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 325 for eight in their 50 overs. Pakistan had won the toss and chose to field.

Early blows and the partnership

Pakistan made a disappointing start in reply. Moaz Sadaqat was out for 5, while Babar Azam went back without scoring. Both fell to Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka.

After the first two wickets fell for just 14 runs, Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig built the pressure with responsible and aggressive batting. The two put on a partnership of 149 runs.

Saad Baig made 74 and was caught off Maheesh Theekshana in the 27th over.

Fakhar Zaman’s century

Fakhar Zaman scored 127 off 99 balls, including 11 fours and 6 sixes. It was his 12th century in One-Day Internationals. He was out in the 34th over.

Salman Ali Agha also went back to the pavilion soon after, giving Sri Lanka a chance to come back. However, the Pakistani batters completed the chase successfully.

For Sri Lanka, Kamindu Mendis scored 131, his first century in ODIs. His innings included 12 fours and 2 sixes. Pavan Rathnayake made 77 and Oshada Fernando scored 38.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took two wickets each. Fahim Ashraf was included in the team for the final in place of Shadab Khan. Shaheen Shah Afridi captained Pakistan.

Fakhar Zaman was named player of the match for his superb century, while Irfan Minhas was named player of the series.