Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by YeJahan
YEJAHAN DESK
LAHORE (OCT 31): A masterclass century from veteran opener Fakhar Zaman and a breathtaking cameo from young Arafat Minhas powered Pakistan to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium, clinching the 2026 ODI Tri-Series title in front of a roaring home crowd. Chasing a formidable target of 326, the hosts crossed the finish line with nine balls to spare, capping off a high-octane tournament in dramatic fashion.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by a magnificent maiden ODI century from Kamindu Mendis, who smashed 131 off 128 deliveries. Partnering with the in-form Pavan Rathnavake (77), Mendis looked set to push the visitors past the 350-run mark. However, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Mendis and triggering a late-order collapse. Sri Lanka ultimately finished on 325 for 8, losing momentum in the final nine overs of their innings.
Pakistan’s pursuit got off to a disastrous start, stumbling to 14 for 2 under the pressure of Dilshan Madushanka’s early swing. It took a resilient 149-run partnership between Fakhar Zaman and under-19 star Saad Baig, who hit a gritty 74, to stabilize the innings. Fakhar, riding his luck after being dropped three times, made Sri Lanka pay dearly by hammering 127 off just 99 balls, including 11 boundaries and 6 massive sixes.
When Madushanka returned to clean up Fakhar with a perfect yorker, the match tilted back into the balance. Enter No. 7 Arafat Minhas. The youngster completely turned the game on its head, blasting a sensational 61 off just 31 deliveries, including two massive consecutive straight sixes off Asitha Fernando in the 47th over
Though Minhas fell just short of finishing the game himself, Shaheen Afridi fittingly smashed the winning runs, launching Madushanka over the deep midwicket boundary for six to spark euphoric celebrations across Lahore.
Copyright YeJahan News Network, 2026
