Pakistan were crowned champions of the ODI Tri-Series 2026 in Pakistan after defeating Sri Lanka in a thrilling final played today (31 October) in Lahore.
Having won the toss, Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi elected to bowl first. Sri Lanka made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Maheesh Theekshana in place of Eshan Malinga.
The visitors posted an imposing total of 325/8 in their allotted 50 overs, with Kamindu Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake playing pivotal roles with the bat.
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Sri Lanka’s opening pair, Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis, provided a steady start, adding 87 runs for the first wicket while keeping the scoreboard ticking. Pakistan struck twice in quick succession to remove Fernando and Kusal Mendis, but Kamindu found an able partner in the in-form Pavan Rathnayake to rebuild the innings.
The duo produced a magnificent 146-run partnership to put Sri Lanka firmly in control of the contest. Kamindu went on to register his maiden ODI century, reaching a significant milestone on the big occasion, while Rathnayake continued his impressive run in the series with another valuable half-century.
However, Pakistan’s pace attack pulled things back following the dismissal of the partnership, striking at regular intervals to prevent Sri Lanka from pushing towards an even bigger total.
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In reply, Sri Lanka made an excellent start with the ball as Dilshan Madushanka struck twice early, dismissing Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam to put Pakistan under pressure.
However, Fakhar Zaman made the most of three reprieves to turn the game around for the hosts. He combined with youngster Saad Baig to produce a crucial 149-run partnership, with Baig contributing an impressive 74.
Fakhar then shifted gears and brought up a brilliant century, putting Pakistan in a commanding position in the chase. Just when he appeared set to take his side home comfortably, Madushanka returned to dismiss the dangerous opener, before Salman Agha also departed soon after.
With Pakistan still needing a substantial contribution to complete the chase, youngsters Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas joined forces at the crease and produced a match-winning partnership.
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Displaying remarkable composure under pressure, the pair added an unbeaten 94 runs to take Pakistan across the finish line. Minhas was particularly impressive, smashing a rapid half-century off just 28 deliveries to turn the contest decisively in Pakistan’s favour.
Pakistan completed the chase with nine balls to spare, sealing a memorable victory over Sri Lanka to lift the ODI Tri-Series 2026 trophy on home soil.
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