Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a brilliant 127 off 99 deliveries, while Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas made crucial contributions to the successful chase. The final also witnessed an impressive century from Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendisbut Pakistan’s lower-order acceleration ultimately proved decisive.

Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig lead Pakistan’s recovery

Pakistan suffered an early setback after Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam in the opening overs, leaving the hosts struggling at 14/2. However, Fakhar and Saad steadied the innings with a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket.

Fakhar brought up his 12th ODI century and finished with 127 off 99 balls, striking 16 boundaries and four sixes. Saad also played an important role, scoring 74 off 75 deliveries to keep Pakistan in the chase. Although Madushanka eventually dismissed both batters, their partnership had put the hosts in a strong position.

Arafat Minhas powers Pakistan to victory in thrilling chase

Pakistan still needed 106 runs after Fakhar’s dismissal, but Minhas changed the momentum with a spectacular late innings. The left-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 61 off just 31 deliveries, including four sixes and four boundaries. Minhas also shared a valuable 94-run sixth-wicket partnership with Hasan Nawazputting Pakistan firmly in control. Captain Shaheen Afridi eventually finished the job in style, hitting Madushanka for a six to seal the three-wicket victory.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted 325/8 in their 50 overs, with Kamindu scoring a maiden ODI century of 131. Pavan Rathnayake added 77 off 65 deliveries, and the pair shared a 146-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Pakistan’s bowlers fought back towards the end, with Shaheen, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picking up two wickets each.