The final match of the ODI tri-series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was played on Saturday (31 October). In this high-scoring match held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan won by 3 wickets and won the trophy. Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka scored 325 runs at the loss of 8 wickets in 50 overs with the help of Kamindu Mendis's century, which Pakistan achieved by losing 7 wickets in 48.3 overs.
Fakhar Zaman played a century for Pakistan. He scored 127 runs in 99 balls. During this period, 11 fours and 6 sixes came from his bat. Saad Baig scored 74 runs in 75 balls. Arafat Minhas, who came at number seven, scored 61 runs in just 31 balls, hitting 3 fours and 4 sixes. Thanks to the brilliant performance of these three, Pakistan equaled India's record of the biggest run chase in an ODI final.
The Indian team chased 326 runs in the final of the NatWest Series against England in 2002. This record of Team India was going untouched for 24 years but now Pakistan has achieved equality.
Also read: South Africa beats Australia, upheaval in WTC points table, where is India?
Pakistan won ODI tri series after 18 years
Pakistan has ended the drought of 18 years with this victory. They last won an ODI tri-series in 2008. Then the Pak team defeated India by 25 runs in the final of the Kitply Cup played in Dhaka.
Pakistan's innings was disintegrated in the beginning
Pakistan had lost the wickets of Maaz Sadaqat (5) and Babar Azam (0) at the score of 14 in the big run chase. Dilshan Madushanka sent both of them to the pavilion. From here Fakhar along with Saad Baig took charge of Pakistan's innings. There was a partnership of 149 runs between the two for the third wicket.
Also read: 'When matters are big…' Babar Azam out for a duck in the final, what are people saying?
After Baig's dismissal, Fakhar made a partnership of 57 runs with Salman Ali Aga. However, some time after Fakhar's dismissal, Salman Ali Aga also walked in, due to which Pakistan's score became 230/5. At this time the Pakistani team needed 96 runs in 79 balls. The path for the host team looked difficult but Minhas made it through a charismatic innings.