Pakistan handed 326-run chase in tri-series final against Sri Lanka

Pakistan were set a demanding target of 326 by Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, leaving the hosts with a major batting challenge in their bid to secure the trophy on home soil. Sri Lanka completed their 50 overs on 325 for eight after Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi elected to field first.

Kamindu Mendis produced the defining innings for the visitors, scoring 131 from 128 deliveries. His maiden ODI century included 12 fours and two sixes, giving Sri Lanka stability at the top before he accelerated through the middle phase of the innings.

Avishka Fernando helped establish the platform with 38 from 49 balls as the opening pair added 87 runs. After Salman Ali Agha removed Fernando and captain Kusal Mendis, Kamindu rebuilt the innings alongside Pavan Rathnayake in a substantial third-wicket partnership.

Rathnayake contributed 77 from 65 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries during a 146-run stand with Kamindu. Their partnership carried Sri Lanka beyond 250 and placed the visitors in position to approach an even larger total before Pakistan’s bowlers recovered during the closing overs.

Shaheen ended Kamindu’s innings in the 42nd over and then removed Dasun Shanaka, who had struck a rapid 17 from nine balls. Haris Rauf dismissed Rathnayake, while Naseem Shah collected two late wickets as Pakistan prevented Sri Lanka from mounting a final surge towards 350.

Each of Pakistan’s four wicket-takers finished with two dismissals. Shaheen conceded 50 runs, Salman 44 and Haris 60, while Naseem gave away 80 from his full allocation. Sri Lanka had reached 238 for two after 40 overs but lost six wickets during the final 10, finishing with a competitive yet more manageable total than appeared likely earlier.

Pakistan made one change for the title decider, bringing Faheem Ashraf into the side for Shadab Khan, who was unavailable on medical grounds after being struck by a bouncer in the preceding match. The hosts entered the final after recording three victories during the league stage, including two against England and one against Sri Lanka.

The required scoring rate of 6.52 runs per over puts immediate pressure on Pakistan’s top order to establish a productive opening platform. Captain Shaheen had already identified top-order runs and substantial partnerships as areas requiring improvement before the final.

Pakistan are pursuing their first ODI tri-series title on home soil, while Sri Lanka are seeking to complete an impressive campaign with another victory in Lahore. The outcome now depends on whether Pakistan can preserve wickets while maintaining the scoring pace needed to overhaul one of the tournament’s most challenging totals.