Fakhar Zaman Ton Sets Up Pakistan Final Victory vs SL

Lahore, October 31: Fakhar Zaman's brilliant hundred powered Pakistan to a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series on Saturday, giving the hosts the trophy.

Sri Lanka won the toss but opted to bat first, but they could not stop Pakistan's chase of 326 from 48.3 overs. The result is the joint-highest successful chase in an ODI final, level with India's effort against England at Lord's in 2002.

The visitors' innings began strongly as Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis added 87 runs for the first wicket in 104 balls. Avishka was out for 38 from 49 balls, with four boundaries to his name.

Kusal Mendis fell for eight after a 22-run stand for the second wicket with Kamindu. Sri Lanka's score stood at 109 for two.

Kamindu then led a recovery with Pavan Rathnayake, who took part in a 146-run third-wicket partnership off 118 balls. Kamindu fell for 131 off 128 balls, hitting two sixes and 12 fours, while Rathnayake made 77 off 65 balls with eight fours.

Pakistan's bowlers were effective, with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Agha and Haris Rauf each taking two wickets.

The chase got off to a shaky start, with Pakistan 14 for two. Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig then combined for 149 runs for the third wicket.

Saad was dismissed for 74 off 75 balls, including 11 fours. Fakhar and Salman Agha added 57 for the fourth wicket to take the team past 200.

Fakhar departed for 127 from 99 balls, with 11 fours. Salman contributed 17 runs. The fifth wicket fell at 230.

Hasan Nawaz (unbeaten 37) and Arafat Minhas (61) put on 94 runs for the sixth wicket in 65 balls, taking Pakistan to the edge of victory and then over the line.

Dilshan Madushanka was Sri Lanka's most successful bowler with three wickets, and Asitha Fernando claimed two.