Pakistan rout Sri Lanka to seal tri-series crown

Fakhar Zaman powers home country to victory

LAHORE/KARACHI:

 

Fakhar Zaman struck a brilliant century to spearhead Pakistan's three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday, as the hosts chased down a challenging 326-run target with nine balls to spare to lift the title.

Fakhar led the successful chase with a commanding 127, while Saad Baig contributed 74 and Arafat Minhas struck a quickfire 61 to help Pakistan recover from an early collapse and reach the target for the loss of seven wickets.

Fakhar, who had scored his previous century three years ago, shared a 149-run third-wicket partnership with Saad, who struck a 75-ball 74 in his maiden half-century. Saad hit 11 well-timed fours before being caught and bowled by spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

Fakhar, who scored the 12th century of his career, also completed 4,000 runs when he reached 108.

The left-hander, who brought up his century off 84 balls, then added 57 runs for the fourth wicket with Agha Salman before being bowled by pacer Dilshan Madushanka.

Fakhar struck six sixes and 11 fours in his 99-ball match-winning knock.

Dunith Wellalage then dismissed Agha Salman (17), briefly raising hopes of a Sri Lankan comeback.

However, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz thwarted that threat by sharing a 94-run sixth-wicket partnership to put the hosts in a comfortable position.

Asitha Fernando removed Arafat, who smashed a fiery 61 off 31 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours.

Fernando then dismissed Faheem Ashraf (0) with his next delivery, but Hasan and Shaheen Afridi (6 not out) completed the remaining task to seal the victory.

Hasan remained unbeaten on 37 off 45 balls, hitting two fours.

Dilshan Madushanka was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, taking 3-63 in 9.3 overs.

Pakistan had made a poor start to the chase, with Madushanka removing Maaz Sadaqat (5) and Babar Azam (0) cheaply to leave the hosts in deep trouble.

Earlier, opener Kamindu Mendis struck a superb 131, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 77 as Sri Lanka posted a competitive 325-8.

After Pakistan elected to field, Sri Lanka made a steady start through openers Avishka Fernando and Kamindu, who put on 87 runs for the first wicket.

Salman Ali Agha broke the partnership in the 18th over, trapping Fernando lbw for 38. He faced 49 balls and struck three fours and a six in his well-made knock.

Salman struck again, dismissing Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis (8) cheaply to leave his side at 109-2.

Kamindu then joined Rathnayake to rebuild the innings. The pair added 146 runs for the third wicket, putting Sri Lanka in a commanding position.

Kamindu brought up his maiden century off 107 balls, while Rathnayake reached his half-century off 47 deliveries.

The partnership ended in the 42nd over when Haris Rauf dismissed Kamindu for 131 off 128 balls. His innings included 12 fours and two sixes.

Rathnayake, who had also scored two centuries in the series, continued to score freely before falling to Rauf for 77 off 65 balls, having struck eight fours.

Sri Lanka were 255-3 when Kamindu departed. However, Pakistan fought back by taking regular wickets in the closing overs.

Dasun Shanaka struck 17 off nine balls, hitting two fours and a six, before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi.

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

Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on nine, while Asitha Fernando contributed an unbeaten seven to help Sri Lanka finish with a competitive total.

Shaheen, Naseem, Agha Salman and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets each. Haris conceded 61 runs in 9.6 overs, while Naseem was the most expensive of the Pakistani bowlers, giving away 80 runs in his quota of 10 overs.

Pakistan made one change to their side, bringing in Faheem Ashraf in place of Shadab Khan.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, left out Eshan Malinga and included spinner Maheesh Theekshana to strengthen their bowling attack.