Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka to Win ODI Tri-Series 2026

Pakistan Make History with Thrilling ODI Tri-Series Victory

Pakistan cricket fans have plenty of reasons to celebrate after the national team defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in a thrilling ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on October 31, 2026. A remarkable century from Fakhar Zaman and an explosive innings from Arafat Minhas helped Pakistan successfully chase a challenging target of 326 runs and lift the trophy.

The final delivered an exciting contest between two competitive teams. Sri Lanka produced an impressive batting performance to post 325 runs, but Pakistan's batters showed determination and composure to complete the chase with nine balls remaining.

Pakistan finished at 331 for seven in 48.3 overs, securing a memorable victory in front of their home supporters.

This achievement also ended Pakistan's wait for an ODI tri-series title since 2008, making the occasion even more special for the team and its supporters.

Fakhar Zaman Delivers a Brilliant Century

Fakhar Zaman was undoubtedly the biggest star of the final. The experienced left-handed batter scored an outstanding 127 runs from 99 deliveries, including 11 fours and six sixes.

His innings came at a particularly important time because Pakistan lost two early wickets during the opening overs.

Maaz Sadaqat departed after scoring just five runs, while Babar Azam was dismissed without opening his account. Pakistan were struggling at 14 for two, and Sri Lanka appeared to have gained control of the match.

However, Fakhar Zaman remained calm and began rebuilding the innings.

He found an excellent partner in Saad Baig, and together they produced a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Their contribution brought Pakistan back into the contest and gave the home side a realistic chance of chasing the target.

Fakhar completed his 12th ODI century from just 84 deliveries. His ability to combine controlled batting with aggressive stroke play proved decisive.

Although he was eventually dismissed for 127, his innings had already provided Pakistan with the foundation needed to win the final.

Saad Baig Makes an Important Contribution

Young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig also played a significant role in Pakistan's successful run chase.

Coming to the crease after the early dismissals, Saad showed impressive maturity and supported Fakhar Zaman throughout their important partnership.

He scored 74 runs from 75 balls, hitting 11 boundaries. The innings was particularly memorable because it marked his maiden ODI half-century for Pakistan.

Saad's contribution allowed Fakhar to play his natural attacking game without taking unnecessary risks.

Their 149-run partnership changed the direction of the match and placed Pakistan in a much stronger position.

For Pakistan cricket, Saad's performance was another encouraging sign of the talent available in the country's emerging batting lineup.

Arafat Minhas Changes the Game with Explosive Batting

When Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig returned to the pavilion, Pakistan still needed important contributions from the remaining batters.

Arafat Minhas delivered exactly what the team required.

The young all-rounder scored a sensational 61 runs from only 31 deliveries. His innings included four sixes and three fours, giving Pakistan the attacking momentum needed during the final stages of the chase.

He formed a valuable partnership with Hasan Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on 37 from 45 balls.

Together, they added 94 runs for the sixth wicket, taking Pakistan close to the finishing line.

Arafat's aggressive batting placed considerable pressure on Sri Lanka's bowling attack. His ability to score quickly reduced the required run rate and brought Pakistan within touching distance of victory.

His performance also earned him the Player of the Series award.

Sri Lanka Post 325 Runs After Kamindu Mendis Century

Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka delivered an impressive batting performance after being asked to bat first.

The visitors scored 325 runs for eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs, establishing a challenging target for Pakistan.

Kamindu Mendis was the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka, producing an excellent century of 131 runs from 128 deliveries. His innings included 12 fours and two sixes.

It was a particularly important milestone because it was his maiden ODI century.

Pavan Rathnayake also played an impressive innings, scoring 77 runs from 65 deliveries. The two batters combined for a valuable 146-run partnership for the third wicket.

Avishka Fernando contributed 38 runs, helping Sri Lanka establish a strong foundation.

At one stage, the visitors appeared capable of reaching an even bigger total. However, Pakistan's bowlers produced an important comeback during the final overs.

Pakistan Bowlers Fight Back in the Final Overs

Pakistan's bowling attack played a crucial role in preventing Sri Lanka from posting an even more challenging total.

Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah each claimed two wickets.

Sri Lanka had reached 238 for two after 40 overs, but Pakistan managed to take six more wickets during the final 10 overs.

This late bowling effort restricted Sri Lanka to 325 for eight.

Although Kamindu Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake had built a strong platform, Pakistan's bowlers ensured that the target remained within reach.

Their performance became an important part of the eventual victory.

Pakistan Win Their First ODI Tri-Series Title Since 2008

The victory in Lahore represents a significant achievement for Pakistan cricket.

The national team had not won an ODI tri-series title since 2008. Ending that wait in front of home supporters made the occasion particularly memorable.

Pakistan also demonstrated the importance of teamwork throughout the final.

Fakhar Zaman provided the experience and stability, Saad Baig delivered an important supporting innings, and Arafat Minhas produced the aggressive finishing performance required to complete the chase.

The bowling unit also made a valuable contribution by restricting Sri Lanka during the closing overs.

The result will provide confidence to Pakistan as the team continues preparing for future international competitions, including the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

Player of the Match and Player of the Series

Fakhar Zaman received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding century in the final.

Arafat Minhas was named Player of the Series following his impressive performances throughout the tournament.

Both players made important contributions to Pakistan's success and demonstrated the strength of the team's batting options.

Saad Baig's maiden ODI half-century was another major positive from the final.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Final: Full Match Scorecard

**Sri Lanka: 325/8 (50 overs)**

- Kamindu Mendis: 131 runs

- Pavan Rathnayake: 77 runs

- Avishka Fernando: 38 runs

- Salman Ali Agha: 2 wickets

- Shaheen Shah Afridi: 2 wickets

- Haris Rauf: 2 wickets

- Naseem Shah: 2 wickets

**Pakistan: 331/7 (48.3 overs)**

- Fakhar Zaman: 127 runs

- Saad Baig: 74 runs

- Arafat Minhas: 61 runs

- Hasan Nawaz: 37 not out

- Dilshan Madushanka: 3 wickets

- Asitha Fernando: 2 wickets

**Final Result:** Pakistan won by three wickets.

**Player of the Match:** Fakhar Zaman

**Player of the Series:** Arafat Minhas

What's Next for Pakistan Cricket?

Following their ODI tri-series success, Pakistan will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming international commitments.

The victory has provided several positive signs for the team's future. Fakhar Zaman's return to form, Saad Baig's promising batting and Arafat Minhas' match-winning performance have given supporters plenty to look forward to.

Pakistan's coaching staff will also be encouraged by the bowling unit's ability to restrict Sri Lanka during the final overs.

For Sri Lanka, the defeat will be disappointing, but Kamindu Mendis' century and Pavan Rathnayake's performance provided several positives.

The final in Lahore was an excellent example of competitive ODI cricket, featuring a big first-innings total, a brilliant century and an exciting run chase.

Pakistan ultimately held their nerve and lifted the trophy, giving their supporters a memorable night of cricket.

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