Fakhar Zaman, Minhas guide Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka to win ODI tri-series

Fakhar Zaman produced a magnificent century, while Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas contributed crucial half-centuries as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets to win the home ODI tri-nation series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 326, Pakistan reached 329-7 in 48.3 overs, securing victory with nine deliveries remaining in an impressive batting display.

The hosts endured an early setback when Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka struck twice in his opening spells, removing Maaz Sadaqat for five and Babar Azam for a duck. Pakistan were reduced to 14-2, putting early pressure on the home side.

However, Fakhar Zaman and young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig combined to turn the game around. The pair launched an impressive counterattack, adding 149 runs for the third wicket and bringing Pakistan back into contention.

Baig played a confident innings of 74 from 75 balls, striking 11 boundaries before Maheesh Theekshana ended his stay in the 27th over. Pakistan had reached 163-3 at that stage.

Fakhar continued his outstanding performance and found another valuable partner in Salman Ali Agha. The duo added 57 runs for the fourth wicket, during which Fakhar completed his 12th ODI century.

His brilliant innings finally came to an end when Madushanka bowled him in the 34th over. Fakhar departed after scoring 127 from 99 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and six sixes to become the leading run-scorer of the chase.

Salman Ali Agha could not stay much longer, falling for 17 off 25 balls as Theekshana further strengthened Sri Lanka's position by reducing Pakistan to 230-5 in 36.5 overs.

With the required runs still to be scored, Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas took responsibility and produced another crucial partnership.

The young batters added 94 runs for the sixth wicket, bringing Pakistan within touching distance of victory. Minhas was particularly aggressive, smashing 61 off just 31 deliveries, including four sixes and three boundaries.

Asitha Fernando dismissed Minhas in the 48th over and followed it up by removing Faheem Ashraf for a golden duck, briefly raising Sri Lanka's hopes.

However, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi ended the contest in style, smashing Madushanka for a six over square leg on the third delivery of the 49th over to seal a memorable victory.

Madushanka finished as Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker with three scalps for 63 runs in 9.3 overs. Fernando claimed two wickets, while Wellalage and Theekshana took one each.

Sri Lanka Post Competitive Total of 325

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 325-8 in their allotted 50 overs after being asked to bat first.

Openers Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis provided a strong foundation, putting together 87 runs for the opening wicket.

Salman Ali Agha broke the partnership by dismissing Fernando for 38 off 49 deliveries, leaving Sri Lanka to rebuild their innings.

Captain Kusal Mendis joined Kamindu but managed only eight runs before Salman struck again, completing a caught-and-bowled dismissal to leave the visitors at 109-2.

Pavan Rathnayake then partnered with Kamindu, and the pair launched an aggressive counterattack against Pakistan's bowling unit.

Their partnership added 146 runs for the third wicket, taking Sri Lanka beyond the 200-run mark and putting them in a strong position.

Kamindu brought up his maiden ODI century and continued to dominate the innings before Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed him for a brilliant 131 off 128 balls. His knock included 12 fours and two sixes.

Shaheen struck again shortly afterwards, removing Dasun Shanaka, who scored 17 from just nine deliveries.

Rathnayake continued to attack but eventually fell to Haris Rauf after making an impressive 77 off 65 balls, including eight boundaries.

Pakistan's bowlers maintained pressure during the closing stages. Naseem Shah dismissed Janith Liyanage for six, while Haris removed Dunith Wellalage for three.

Naseem then claimed his second wicket by sending Sahan Arachchige back to the pavilion for 15.

Despite losing wickets regularly towards the end, Sri Lanka managed to cross the 300-run mark, with Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana adding useful runs in the final overs.

Fernando remained unbeaten on six, while Theekshana finished on nine not out as Sri Lanka closed their innings at 325-8.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha and Haris Rauf picked up two wickets each.