Sports
Pakistan Equal India's 2002 Record with 326‑run Chase to Claim Tri‑Series Title
By Amit Kumar
Pakistan chased 326 to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the One‑Day International tri‑series final in Lahore on Saturday. Fakhar Zaman scored 127 off 99 balls, leading a 331‑for‑seven finish in 48.3 overs, the joint‑highest successful chase in an ODI final. The victory matched India’s 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s, where India chased England’s 326 to win by two wickets. Pakistan’s win ended a 15‑year wait for an ODI tri‑series title; their last triumph was in 2008 when they defeated India in the Kitply Cup final in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka posted 325 for eight, with Kamindu Mendis scoring 131 and Pavan Rathnayake 77. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, restricted the visitors to 325, allowing the hosts to chase the target with nine balls to spare. The triumph also avenged Pakistan’s defeat to New Zealand in the 2025 home tri‑series final. The match was played in front of a home crowd in Lahore.
Frequently asked questions
What was the target Pakistan chased in the final?
326 runs.
Who was the leading run-scorer for Pakistan in the match?
Fakhar Zaman, who scored 127 off 99 balls.
How many years had Pakistan waited for an ODI tri‑series title before this win?
15 years.