Pakistan equalled India’s famous record against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s. (Image credit: Agencies)
Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a brilliant century as the hosts chased down a target of 326 with nine balls to spare. Pakistan finished on 331 for seven in 48.3 overs to register the joint-highest successful chase in an ODI final. Pakistan equalled India’s famous record against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s. They last won one in 2008, when they defeated India in the Kitply Cup final in Bangladesh. Pakistan’s successful chase of 326 is now level with India’s famous run chase against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final. India had chased down England’s target of 326 at Lord’s to win the final by two wickets in one of the most memorable matches in their ODI history. Mohammad Kaif played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 87, while Yuvraj Singh scored 69. More than two decades later, Pakistan matched that achievement with another successful chase of 326 in an ODI final. However, Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig brought Pakistan back into the contest with a 149-run partnership.
The two shared a crucial partnership after India had lost five wickets with the team still needing plenty of runs. The victory also ended Pakistan’s long wait for an ODI tri-series title. Zaheer Khan and Kaif eventually took India home in a thrilling finish, with two runs needed from the final five balls. India completed the chase with three balls remaining. Pakistan did not have the best start to their chase. Dilshan Madushanka struck twice in the powerplay, including the important wicket of Babar Azam, who departed for a five-ball duck.
Pakistan produced a memorable run chase to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the One-Day International tri-series final in Lahore on Saturday.
Baig scored 74 off 75 balls and registered his maiden ODI half-century before Maheesh Theekshana ended his innings. He scored 127 off just 99 balls to keep Pakistan on course. The left-hander also shared a quick 57-run stand with Salman Agha, who contributed 17 before Madushanka dismissed him. Pakistan were reduced to 230 for five, but Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz ensured there was no late collapse. With the match still in the balance, Minhas and Nawaz joined hands to put together a match-winning 94-run partnership. The hosts eventually reached 331 for seven in 48.3 overs to complete a memorable victory in front of their home crowd. Kamindu Mendis, Rathnayake power Sri Lanka to 325 Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a strong total of 325 for eight after being asked to bat first. Kamindu Mendis was the star of their innings, scoring 131 off 128 balls. Pavan Rathnayake also played an important role with a fluent 77. The two shared a 146-run partnership off 119 deliveries to put Sri Lanka in a strong position. Kamindu brought up his maiden ODI century and struck 12 fours and two sixes during his impressive knock. Sri Lanka had made a positive start, with Avishka Fernando and Kamindu adding 51 runs in the powerplay. Pakistan captain Kusal Mendis also fell soon after, leaving Sri Lanka at 109 for two. Just when Sri Lanka looked set for a total of more than 340, Pakistan’s bowlers pulled things back in the final overs. Afridi finished with two wickets for 50 runs. Sahan Arachchige added a quick 15 off 12 balls before Naseem Shah dismissed him. Pakistan’s late fightback restricted Sri Lanka to 325 for eight, a total that eventually proved insufficient against Zaman’s century and the contributions from Minhas and Nawaz. The victory gave Pakistan their first ODI tri-series title since 2008. They also made amends for their defeat to New Zealand in the final of a home tri-series in 2025.
Zaman continued to attack and brought up his 12th ODI century. Minhas scored a valuable half-century, providing the finishing push Pakistan needed after Zaman’s dismissal. Fernando’s dismissal in the 18th over ended the opening partnership. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Dasun Shanaka and Rathnayake within two overs to put pressure on the visitors. This time, Pakistan held their nerve in a high-scoring final and produced a historic chase to lift the trophy. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.