Fakhar ton powers Pakistan to tri-series title

Pakistan clinched the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 title with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 326, the hosts reached 331-7 in 48.3 overs, with nine balls to spare. Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a match-winning century, while contributions from Saad Baig and late hitting by Arafat Minhas and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi helped Pakistan seal the title.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 325-8 in their 50 overs, thanks to a maiden ODI century from Kamindu Mendis, who scored 131. Pavan Rathnayake provided valuable support with 77, while Avishka Fernando added 38.

Pakistan's pace trio of Shaheen, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah restricted Sri Lanka's scoring in the closing overs to keep the target within reach.

The victory handed Pakistan the tri-series trophy in front of their home crowd.