Pakistan equal India's historic Lord's chase record, clinch ODI tri-nation series
Pakistan produced a remarkable run chase to defeat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the ODI tri-nation series in Lahore on Saturday, October 31. Chasing a daunting 326 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan rode on a magnificent century from Fakhar Zaman and crucial contributions from Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas to seal the title with nine balls to spare.
The victory also saw Pakistan equal India’s historic record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI tournament final. India had set the benchmark in 2002 when they chased down England’s target of 326 in the NatWest Series final at Lord’s.
Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif had scripted one of the most memorable comebacks in Indian cricket, rescuing the team from a precarious position to secure a two-wicket win. Pakistan’s achievement, 24 years later, put them alongside India in the record books.
The triumph was particularly significant for Pakistan, who had not won an ODI tri-series title since the 2008 Kitply Cup in Bangladesh. Their latest success came after a high-pressure chase in which they recovered from an early collapse and held their nerve in the closing overs.
HIGHEST SUCCESSFUL RUN-CHASE IN ODI FINALS
- India against England – 326 (2002, Lord’s)
- Pakistan against Sri Lanka – 326 (2026, Lahore)
- India against Pakistan – 315 (1998, Dhaka)
- West Indies against Pakistan – 285 (1993, Sharjah)
- New Zealand against India – 277 (2005, Harare)
KAMINDU, RATHNAYAKE POWER SRI LANKA
After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 325 for eight in their 50 overs, with Kamindu Mendis leading the charge with his maiden ODI century. The left-hander struck a superb 131 off 128 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes to give his side a strong platform.
Kamindu found early support from Avishka Fernando, who scored 38 as the pair added 87 runs for the opening wicket. However, it was his partnership with Pavan Rathnayake that truly put Sri Lanka in a commanding position. The duo added 146 runs for the third wicket, with Rathnayake contributing an attacking 77 off 65 deliveries.
Pakistan needed breakthroughs to prevent Sri Lanka from running away with the contest, and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi provided them at crucial moments. He dismissed Kamindu and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah also picked up two wickets apiece. Pakistan’s bowlers fought back in the closing stages, taking six wickets in the final 10 overs to restrict Sri Lanka to 325.
FAKHAR, MINHAS LEAD PAKISTAN HOME
Pakistan’s chase suffered an early setback as Maaz Sadaqat fell for five before Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck. At 14 for two, the hosts were under considerable pressure, but Fakhar Zaman refused to let the situation dictate the tempo of the innings.
Fakhar joined Saad Baig to rebuild the chase, and the pair added 149 runs for the third wicket. Baig played a composed knock of 74, while Fakhar took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers, bringing up a magnificent 127 off 99 balls. His innings included 11 fours and six sixes before Dilshan Madushanka finally dismissed him.
Sri Lanka briefly sensed an opportunity when Fakhar and Salman Ali Agha departed, leaving Pakistan needing a substantial contribution from their lower order. Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz then produced the decisive partnership, adding 94 runs to turn the contest back in Pakistan’s favour. Minhas smashed 61 off just 31 balls, while Nawaz held his nerve at the other end.
Minhas fell with victory within touching distance, and Faheem Ashraf was dismissed for a golden duck. With two runs needed, Shaheen finished the contest in emphatic fashion, launching Madushanka over the boundary for a six.
– Ends
