Pakistan not only won the tri-series final by beating Sri Lanka on Saturday but also equalled a world record set by India in 2002. Fakhar Zaman ‘s century helped Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, as the hosts chased down a target of 326 to lift the trophy. Pakistan reached 331/7 in 48.3 overs, completing the chase with nine balls to spare. The successful pursuit is the joint-highest run chase in an ODI final, level with arch-rivals India’s chase against England in the 2002 NatWest final at Lord’s.
With this innings, he became only the second Pakistan batter to score two centuries in ODI finals. Zaman then joined wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig to rebuild the innings. Highest successful chases in multi-team ODI tournament finals Zaman led the charge with 127 off 99 deliveries, including 11 fours and six sixes. Chasing 326, Pakistan suffered an early setback as Maaz Sadaqat was dismissed for five and Babar Azam fell for a duck, leaving the side struggling at 14/2. The pair added 149 runs for the third wicket, taking Pakistan back into contention. Baig scored 74 off 75 balls, hitting 11 boundaries, before Maheesh Theekshana dismissed him with the score on 163.
