Sri Lanka had posted a competitive total after a strong start from their top order. However, Pakistan’s batters responded with several important partnerships to complete the chase and secure the trophy.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi elected to bowl first, sending Sri Lanka in to bat. It was the first time the Lankans had batted first in the tri-series.
Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis provided a steady start. Mendis continued after Fernando’s departure and went on to score a century, putting Sri Lanka in a strong position.
Salman Agha broke the opening partnership and picked up another wicket soon afterwards. However, Pavan Rathnayake helped Sri Lanka maintain their scoring rate during the middle overs.
The visitors appeared set for a bigger total, but Pakistan’s bowlers made progress towards the end of the innings. Sri Lanka lost several wickets during the closing overs of tri-series final against Pakistan and missed the opportunity to add more runs.
Pakistan’s three frontline fast bowlers claimed two wickets each. Their efforts restricted Sri Lanka to a total that was eventually within reach for the hosts.
Pakistan lost a couple of early wickets while chasing the target. However, Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig steadied the innings with an important partnership.
Fakhar had struggled to find consistency earlier in the series and also left the field during Sri Lanka’s innings because of an injury. Nevertheless, he produced a significant contribution in the final.
Saad Baig supported him well and registered his maiden ODI half-century. Fakhar, meanwhile, continued to build his innings and reached a century in the high-pressure contest.
Dilshan Madushanka provided Sri Lanka with some early breakthroughs during the Powerplay of tri-series final against Pakistan. However, the other bowlers struggled to maintain the pressure, while missed opportunities in the field also affected their progress.
Madushanka eventually returned to dismiss Fakhar, while Dunith Wellalage removed Salman Agha. Those wickets left Pakistan at 230/5, requiring another 96 runs from 79 deliveries.
With the required target still some distance away, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz worked together to rebuild the innings.
The pair initially focused on keeping wickets in hand and managing the chase. As the target came closer, Minhas increased the scoring rate and brought up an important half-century.
His innings proved decisive as Pakistan moved closer to victory. Although Minhas departed with only two runs remaining, he had already put his side in a position to complete the chase.
Shaheen Afridi then struck a six to finish the match and confirm Pakistan’s victory. The successful chase also ranked among the highest in an ODI tri-series final.
Pakistan’s victory completed their tri-series campaign with the title, while Sri Lanka finished as runners-up.
The final featured strong batting performances from both sides. However, Pakistan’s recovery through Fakhar Zaman and Arafat Minhas proved crucial in the run chase.
The hosts also benefited from useful contributions from Saad Baig and Hasan Nawaz, while Shaheen provided the finishing touch.
Pakistan’s victory brought the tournament to a close in Lahore, with the home side securing the trophy after a competitive final against Sri Lanka.
