Fakhar Zaman defied injury and recent form to anchor Pakistan’s victory in the tri-series final, scoring a resilient 127 to guide his side to 331-7 in 48.3 overs. Playing through a bruised right knee and emerging from a slump of just 31 runs in his previous four innings, Zaman provided the stability Pakistan needed to chase down Sri Lanka’s total. His partnership with 19-year-old Saad Baig, who contributed a vital 74, kept the momentum alive despite early setbacks that saw Maaz Sadaqat fall for five and Babar Azam dismissed for a duck.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
Sri Lanka had set a competitive target of 325-8, powered by Kamindu Mendis’ maiden ODI century of 131. Batting first for the first time in the tournament, the visitors relied heavily on Mendis’ aggressive stroke play to build a substantial base. However, the conditions at Gaddafi Stadium ultimately favored the chasing side, as dew made the ball slippery and difficult for the Sri Lankan bowlers to control in the second innings. This environmental factor allowed Pakistan’s batters to accelerate their scoring rate in the middle overs.
The match concluded with Pakistan winning by three wickets, a result that underscores the team’s ability to adapt under pressure. Arafat Minhas played a pivotal role in the final stages, smashing 61 off just 31 balls to ensure the chase was secured comfortably before the overs ran out. With 31,265 spectators witnessing the action, Zaman’s performance not only secured the trophy but also signaled a potential turning point in his ODI career, proving his capacity to deliver when the stakes are highest.
Source: Sky Sports
