Fakhar's 127 Powers Pakistan's Record Chase to Win ODI Tri-Series Final

Pakistan chased down a target of 326 to win the ODI tri-series final against Sri Lanka by three wickets in front of their home fans in Lahore, with Fakhar Zaman leading the way with a superb 127 off 99 deliveries. The left-hander struck 11 fours and six sixes in his 12th ODI century, holding the innings together after early losses that saw Maaz Sadaqat fall for five and Babar Azam depart without scoring. Saad Baig supported him with a maiden ODI half-century, scoring 74 off 75 balls, but Sri Lanka fought back to leave Pakistan five wickets down for 230 after 36.5 overs. Arafat Minhas then changed the momentum with a quickfire 61 off 31 balls, and captain Shaheen Afridi finished the chase with a six to seal the title. Sri Lanka had posted a testing total thanks to Kamindu Mendis, who compiled 131 off 128 balls, and Pavan Rathnayake, who made 77 off 65, after openers Avishka Fernando and Mendis put on 87 for the first wicket. Fernando departed for 38, but Mendis and Rathnayake kept the scoreboard moving. In the end, though, Fakhar's century and the late hitting proved decisive as Pakistan took the series.