Pakistan beat Sri Lanka as Zaman’s century turns thrilling tri-series final

What the report says

Pakistan won the one-day international tri-series final against Sri Lanka by three wickets in Lahore on Saturday, with opener Fakhar Zaman producing the decisive innings. According to Al Jazeera’s report based on Associated Press coverage, Zaman scored 127 despite a bruised knee and a poor run of form, helping his side reach 331-7 in 48.3 overs after Sri Lanka had posted 325-8.

Sri Lanka’s total was built around Kamindu Mendis, who made his first ODI century, scoring 131. Pakistan then lost early wickets, including Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam, before Zaman and teenager Saad Baig steadied the chase with a 149-run partnership. Baig made 74, while Arafat Minhas added a quick 61 and Hasan Nawaz finished unbeaten on 37 to see Pakistan home.

The match was shaped by difficult conditions in Lahore, where dew made the ball hard to control for the bowlers. Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana had chances to dismiss Zaman but dropped catches, and Dilshan Madushanka eventually bowled him late in the innings. Pakistan still completed the win with balls to spare. The result gave Pakistan the title and ended the tri-series involving England, which had already been eliminated. The contest highlighted both teams’ batting strength and the challenge bowlers faced in damp, high-scoring conditions.