Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on nine, while Asitha Fernando added an unbeaten seven to help Sri Lanka reach 325-8.

LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman smashed a magnificent century as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday to claim the title.

Fakhar scored 127 off 99 balls as Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s target of 326 with nine balls to spare, finishing at 329-7.

The left-hander’s 12th ODI century came after a three-year gap since his previous hundred. He reached the milestone in 84 balls and brought up 4,000 career ODI runs when he reached 108.

Fakhar struck six sixes and 11 fours in a match-winning innings that anchored Pakistan’s successful chase.

Fakhar and Saad Baig Rescue Pakistan

Pakistan suffered an early setback after Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Maaz Sadaqat for five and Babar Azam for a duck, leaving the hosts in trouble.

Fakhar then joined Saad Baig to rebuild the innings. The pair added 149 runs for the third wicket, with Saad contributing 74 off 75 balls, including 11 fours.

Saad, who registered his maiden half-century, was eventually caught and bowled by spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

Fakhar continued his aggressive batting and shared another 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Agha Salman, who scored 17 before being bowled by Madushanka.

Dunith Wellalage then dismissed Agha Salman, briefly raising Sri Lanka’s hopes of defending the target.

Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz Seal Victory

Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz steadied Pakistan’s innings with a crucial 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Arafat played an explosive knock of 61 off just 31 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours before being dismissed by Asitha Fernando.

Fernando struck again with the next delivery, removing Faheem Ashraf for a duck.

However, Hasan and Shaheen Afridi kept their composure to complete the chase. Hasan remained unbeaten on 37 off 45 balls, including two fours, while Shaheen finished on six not out.

Madushanka was Sri Lanka’s leading bowler, taking three wickets for 63 runs in 9.3 overs.

Kamindu Mendis and Rathnayake Power Sri Lanka to 325

Earlier, Kamindu Mendis scored a brilliant 131 while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 77 as Sri Lanka posted 325-8 after Pakistan elected to field.

Openers Avishka Fernando and Kamindu provided a steady start, adding 87 runs for the first wicket.

Salman Ali Agha broke the partnership in the 18th over by trapping Avishka lbw for 38 off 49 balls, including three fours and a six. He then dismissed Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis for eight, reducing the visitors to 109-2.

Kamindu and Rathnayake subsequently rebuilt the innings with a 146-run partnership for the third wicket.

Kamindu completed his maiden ODI century off 107 balls, while Rathnayake reached his half-century from 47 deliveries.

Haris Rauf eventually ended their partnership in the 42nd over, dismissing Kamindu for 131 off 128 balls. His innings included 12 fours and two sixes.

Rathnayake continued to score freely before falling to Rauf for 77 off 65 deliveries, with eight boundaries.

Pakistan Bowlers Fight Back in Final Overs

Sri Lanka were 255-3 when Kamindu departed, but Pakistan’s bowlers responded by taking regular wickets in the closing stages.

Dasun Shanaka scored 17 off nine balls, including two fours and a six, before Shaheen Afridi dismissed him.

Janith Liyanage made six before falling to Naseem Shah, who also removed Sahan Arachchige for 15.

Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on nine, while Asitha Fernando added an unbeaten seven to help Sri Lanka reach 325-8.

Shaheen, Naseem, Agha Salman and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets each. Rauf conceded 61 runs in 9.6 overs, while Naseem gave away 80 runs in his 10-over spell.

Pakistan brought Faheem Ashraf into the playing XI in place of Shadab Khan, who was unwell. Sri Lanka included Maheesh Theekshana in place of Eshan Malinga.