Pakistan Roar to Glory! Dramatic 331/7 Chase Seals Tri-Nation Series Final Victory

Lahore, 31 October 2026: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in a thrilling final to lift the Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka Tri-Nation ODI Series 2026/27 trophy at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Pakistan completed a successful chase of 326 runs, finishing at 331/7, to secure a memorable victory in front of their home supporters.

The final delivered everything cricket fans could hope for: a brilliant century from Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, an outstanding hundred from Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman, important contributions from the middle order and an exciting finish.

Pakistan’s victory was especially impressive because the team lost two early wickets before recovering through a match-defining partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig.

Match Summary: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Final

Match detail	Result
Date	31 October 2026
Venue	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Tournament	Tri-Nation ODI Series 2026/27
Toss	Pakistan elected to field
Sri Lanka	325/8 (50 overs)
Pakistan	331/7
Result	Pakistan won by 3 wickets
Target	326 runs

Sri Lanka Score 325 Runs After Kamindu Mendis’ Outstanding Century

Sri Lanka batted first after Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to field. The decision gave Pakistan an opportunity to use the new ball, but Sri Lanka’s batters responded with an impressive performance.

The opening partnership provided a solid foundation, with Avishka Fernando scoring 38 runs from 49 balls. Kamindu Mendis then took control of the innings with an outstanding batting display.

Mendis scored 131 runs from 128 deliveries, including 12 fours and two sixes. His innings was the highlight of Sri Lanka’s batting performance and kept the scoreboard moving throughout the middle overs.

Pavan Rathnayake provided excellent support, scoring 77 runs from 65 balls. The pair added 146 runs for the third wicket, putting Sri Lanka in a strong position.

Their partnership helped Sri Lanka reach 238/2 after 40 overs, creating the possibility of a total close to 350 runs.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers produced an excellent comeback during the final ten overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah also picked up important wickets.

Sri Lanka eventually finished their 50 overs at 325/8, giving Pakistan a challenging target of 326 runs to win the championship.

Pakistan’s Bowling Performance

Pakistan’s bowlers played an important role in restricting Sri Lanka during the final stages of the innings.

The bowling figures included:

• Shaheen Shah Afridi: 2 wickets for 50 runs.
• Haris Rauf: 2 wickets for 60 runs.
• Naseem Shah: 2 wickets for 80 runs.
• Salman Ali Agha: 2 wickets for 44 runs.

Although Sri Lanka had established a strong platform, Pakistan’s late wickets prevented them from adding more runs in the closing overs.

Pakistan Suffer Early Setbacks in the Final

Chasing 326 runs, Pakistan needed a confident start. However, Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka immediately put pressure on the home side.

Maaz Sadaqat was dismissed for five runs, and experienced batter Babar Azam also returned to the pavilion without scoring.

Pakistan were struggling at 14/2, and Sri Lanka had an opportunity to take control of the final.

But Fakhar Zaman remained calm and began rebuilding the innings. Saad Baig joined him at the crease, and the two batters gradually changed the direction of the match.

Fakhar Zaman’s Magnificent Century Changes the Game

Fakhar Zaman produced one of the most important innings of the final, scoring 127 runs from 99 balls, including 11 fours and six sixes.

He demonstrated excellent timing, powerful stroke play and the ability to handle pressure in a high-stakes match.

Fakhar reached his century in 83 balls, registering his 12th ODI hundred. His celebration in front of the Lahore crowd became one of the memorable moments of the final.

His innings gave Pakistan the confidence needed to continue the chase despite losing early wickets.

Saad Baig’s Brilliant Contribution

Young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig played a crucial role in Pakistan’s recovery.

He scored 74 runs from 75 balls, building an outstanding partnership with Fakhar Zaman.

The pair added 149 runs for the third wicket, taking Pakistan from an uncomfortable 14/2 to a much stronger position.

Saad Baig showed patience and maturity, rotating the strike and finding boundaries whenever opportunities appeared.

His dismissal at 163/3 gave Sri Lanka renewed hope, but Pakistan had already established an important foundation for the chase.

Sri Lanka Fight Back, But Pakistan Hold Their Nerve

After Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 127 at 220/4, Sri Lanka attempted to make another comeback.

Salman Ali Agha scored 17 runs before being dismissed by Dunith Wellalage, leaving Pakistan at 230/5.

At that stage, Pakistan still needed 96 runs from 78 balls.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened their lines and made scoring difficult. For several overs, Pakistan struggled to find boundaries, increasing the pressure on the remaining batters.

Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas then joined forces and began rebuilding the innings.

Their partnership became decisive as they gradually increased the scoring rate and brought Pakistan closer to the target.

Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas Finish the Job

With the required run rate increasing, Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas showed excellent composure.

They rotated the strike, selected the right opportunities to attack and ensured that Pakistan remained in control of the chase.

Arafat Minhas produced an important late acceleration, hitting a six and a four in the 46th over against Dasun Shanaka. The partnership shifted the pressure back onto Sri Lanka.

Pakistan continued their attack in the closing overs and eventually reached 331/7, successfully completing the target of 326 runs.

The successful chase confirmed Pakistan’s victory by three wickets and secured the tri-series trophy.

Pakistan Crowned Tri-Nation ODI Series Champions

The victory was a memorable achievement for Pakistan cricket.

The team showed resilience after losing two early wickets and demonstrated the importance of partnerships in a difficult run chase.

Fakhar Zaman’s century, Saad Baig’s valuable 74 and the late contribution from Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas were central to Pakistan’s success.

Sri Lanka also deserve credit for their competitive performance. Kamindu Mendis’ 131 and Pavan Rathnayake’s 77 gave their team a challenging total and kept the final competitive until the closing stages.

Conclusion

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final on 31 October 2026 to win the Tri-Nation ODI Series 2026/27.

Sri Lanka scored 325/8 in their 50 overs, but Pakistan responded with 331/7 to complete the successful run chase.

Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 127-run innings and Saad Baig’s 74-run contribution provided the foundation, while Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas helped guide Pakistan across the finish line.

It was a memorable final at Gaddafi Stadium, with Pakistan lifting the trophy and giving their supporters another reason to celebrate.

Congratulations to Team Pakistan on winning the final! Pakistan Zindabad!