Loading scores…
RESULTODIFinal · Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
Pakistan won by 3 wkts
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl
- Match
- Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, Final
- Date
- 31 Oct 2026 to 31 Oct 2026
- Start
- 13:30 IST · 08:00 GMT
- Venue
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Toss
- Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl
- Umpires
- Ahsan Raza, Wayne Knights
- Third umpire
- Sharfuddoula Saikat
- Match referee
- Jeff Crowe
Venue guide
- Capacity
- 27,000
- Opened
- 1959
- Ends
- Pavilion End, College End
- Home to
- Lahore
- Floodlights
- Yes
| Fakhar ZamanPakistan · Batter | 127 (99)Bat · R (B) | 114s | 66s | 128.3SR | b Dilshan MadushankaOut |
| Arafat MinhasPakistan · All-rounder | 5Bat · Inns | 149Runs | 29.80Avg | 250s | 0100s | 5Bowl · Inns | 40.4Overs | 9Wkts | 6/40Best |
SLSri Lanka 325/8 (50.0)
PAKPakistan 331/7 (48.3)
RUNS PER OVER
SCORE BY OVER
Final overs
Full commentary- The return of the tri-series format in ODIs after a while was a welcome one, and this tournament was a timely reminder of just how competitive and entertaining these contests can be. Perhaps something cricket boards should consider more often. Across the seven games, there were plenty of memorable moments and a few surprises along the way. Who would have thought England would lose their first three matches and miss out on the final? Pakistan and Sri Lanka, meanwhile, played excellent cricket and more importantly unearthed exciting talent. Pavan Rathnayake was the standout, finishing as the series' leading run-scorer with 427 runs, while Arafat Minhas made a valuable impact with both bat and ball. Both sides have shown that the talent is there; the challenge now is for their respective managements to nurture these youngsters and help them grow into future stars. And with that, it's time to draw the curtains on our coverage. We hope you enjoyed following the action with us. Until next time, goodbye and stay safe!
- Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan captain - [On the bowling plans that helped Pakistan pull things back in the final overs] Yeah, I think that was crucial. When we started bowling, the first three, four overs had gone, and then we just decided to go cross-seam and bowl some bouncers. And then later on, there might be reverse. And then we can take wickets later on. So I think we had a great comeback after that. And also, the way our batting started, it collapsed again, but it was good Fakhar in the batting and he played such a good knock. [On Fakhar's importance to Pakistan in big matches] Yeah, I always say, whenever Fakhar scores for us, that is a big game. [On the youngsters and their contributions during the tournament and the final] Yeah, they were really impressive. Like, first game, Saad Baig played in Pindi, really impressive. And the way he played here, even Fakhar was struggling and he took on that game. And Arafat and Hasan Nawaz with bat. So I think that was a good sign for Pakistan cricket. So youngsters coming and they had a perform. [On Pakistan's ongoing World Cup preparations and the significance of winning the tri-series] Yeah, we already had started our preparation three series ago. So we had a great series again. Last time Pakistan won a tri-nation series, I think, was in 2008. And now, first time after a long time. It's really happy, proud of this team.
- Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka captain - [What did you make of 325?] We played really well in the first couple of overs. And Madushanka bowled really well and Kamindu batted really well. I enjoyed the way batting. But we have to score another 25-30 runs more. [On whether not having a fifth frontline bowler, given Sri Lanka's all-rounder combination, made a difference during the defence] Yeah, I'm honestly a little bit hard to bowl with a fifth bowler because the dew is coming in and the conditions are a little bit better in the second innings. I think our bowling unit done really well in the first couple of overs, putting the powerplay. Dilshan bowled really well. And Dunith bowled really well. I think we did a mistake in the field a little bit. That's, I think, what we have to improve going forward. I think we improve a little bit in the fielding part. [On the positives from the tri-series] Yeah, of course, we have so many positive things. And Pavan batted really well. Dunith bowled really well. And Kamindu batted really well. And Avishka, everybody, some matches doing something in special areas. Then as a captain, I'm very happy when I played the whole tournament. And we have to improve some areas as I mentioned before. And honestly, everybody happy when I played in Pakistan, again in England also. Then when going forward, I think we have to improve some areas.
- Arafat Minhas (2/2): [On how they assessed Sri Lanka's bowling options and capitalised on an opportunity towards the end] Absolutely, we had an idea. Even when from outside (dugout), we had been told that they might have a bit of an issue with their overs because their frontline bowlers had already bowled a lot. We were calculating that and playing accordingly. And towards the end, when I got the opportunity, I charged and got a really good big over. So I think we were playing with that kind of calculation, and we took the game right till the end. [On his identity as an all-rounder and his commitment to contributing in both departments] Absolutely, winning a final brings its own happiness. And I think I've been saying from the beginning that I am an all-rounder, and I always try to give 100 per cent with both my batting and bowling.
- Arafat Minhas | Player of the Series (1/2) - [On his bowling improvement and his batting contributions] Absolutely. Just as the team needed today. When I went in, we were talking about belief, that we had to believe in each other. And I think that belief was there. We enjoyed those moments in the middle, and we won the match. [On staying calm and executing his skills under pressure] Yes, absolutely, there is pressure. I think the more you enjoy that pressure, the calmer you remain and the better you execute your skills. That was exactly what I tried to do, to stay calm in the middle. Both of us knew each other's abilities, so we were playing after calculating things, and that's what helped us win the match.
- Fakhar Zaman (2/2): [On the mental preparation, given his lack of runs in the previous four matches and the pressure of chasing more than 300 in a final] No, look, I've played enough cricket now to know that when it's my day and the ball starts coming nicely off my bat, I'll score big. So I was just waiting for that moment. I didn't do anything particularly different from the way I had approached the previous four matches. I prepared for this game in exactly the same way. But that's the thing: when you score runs, we start talking about how mentally ready you were, how your fitness was and all of that. I prepared for this match in the same way I had prepared for the other games. Luckily, the runs came today. [On the joy of contributing to a title-winning performance] Absolutely. Look, whatever performances you put in throughout the tournament, you do them with the aim of winning the trophy. And when you score runs in the final, the happiness is even greater. I consider myself lucky that I managed to score runs in the final today.
- Fakhar Zaman | Player of the Match (1/2) - [On his knock] Look, the way my first four matches had gone, I felt a good performance was due, and I was putting in the effort. But cricket is such a game that sometimes you're in really good touch, but the runs just don't come. Even today, I was struggling a little at the start, but luckily the runs came, and that's a good thing for me. Whenever there is a final, I seem to score runs. [On the partnership with Saad Baig after Pakistan lost two early wickets] I've played domestic cricket with him as well, and he's a very talented player. Even today, when I was struggling at that stage, he came in and scored quite quickly. That allowed me to relax and take my time. If he had also played slowly like me, perhaps I would have tried to take a few more chances, and if you take those chances, you can end up losing your wicket. So the credit goes to him for the way he started and the way he built his innings. In my opinion, his was the best innings of the match.
- 21:24 Local Time, 16:24 GMT, 21:54 IST: A fitting finale to a cracking tri-series! The game ebbed and flowed, with both teams having their moments, but Pakistan held their nerve when it mattered most to chase down the target and lift the title. Sri Lanka made a terrific start with Madushanka striking twice early, removing Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam. Fakhar Zaman, however, was given three lives and made Sri Lanka pay dearly. He first stitched together a 100+ stand with youngster Saad Baig, who chipped in with an impressive 74, before shifting gears and racing to a century. In the process, Zaman became only the second Pakistan batter to score two centuries in ODI finals. He looked set to take Pakistan home with a few overs to spare, but Madushanka returned to dismiss him, and Agha followed soon after. That brought two youngsters, Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas, together at the crease. Showing remarkable composure under pressure, the duo put on a 94-run stand, with Minhas smashing a 28-ball fifty and though he wasn't there to finish it off, skipper Shaheen took them over with nine balls to spare. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will rue their finish with the bat. They were on course for a total in the 340-350 range but lost their way in the final 10 overs, eventually settling for 325. Those 20-25 runs proved costly in the end. Stay tuned for the presentations..
- Over 49 · 7 runs (1 0 6)
- 48.36Dilshan Madushanka to Shaheen Afridi, SIX, Pakistan win by 3 wickets. The skipper finishes it off in style. If there were roofs in the Gaddafi Stadium then it would be coming down right now - that's how loud the noise is. This is the joint highest chase in an ODI final, level with that India v England game at Lord's in 2002. Another short of length delivery from Madushanka, but he didn't get the bounce as the previous delivery, Shaheen rocks back and nails the pull over deep mid-wicket
- 48.2•Dilshan Madushanka to Shaheen Afridi, no run, 131.1ks bouncer angling in, Shaheen tries to take it on but the ball climbs over the top-edge
- 48.11Dilshan Madushanka to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, 131.9ks short of length delivery, Nawaz rides the bounce and steers to backward point
- End of over 48 · 16 runs (6 6 4 W W 0) · 2 wktPAK 324/7Shaheen Afridi 0(1) · Hasan Nawaz 36(44) · Asitha Fernando 9-1-72-2
- 47.6•Asitha Fernando to Shaheen Afridi, no run, 136.1ks full and at the stumps, Shaheen eases it to mid-on
- Shaheen Afridi, left handed bat, comes to the crease
- 47.5WAsitha Fernando to Faheem Ashraf, out Caught by Maheesh Theekshana!! Faheem goes for a duck. Asitha is on a hat-trick. Finally a catch is taken at third man. Short and outside off, Faheem tries to ramp it over third man but does not get enough to clear the rope. Theekshana runs to his left and takes it safely. Faheem Ashraf c Maheesh Theekshana b Asitha Fernando 0(1)
- Asitha Fernando to Faheem Ashraf, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
- Faheem Ashraf, left handed bat, comes to the crease
- 47.4WAsitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, out Caught&Bowled!! Oh no! Minhas won't be there to see Pakistan over the line. But he's done his part. A 31-ball 61 when the team needed, take a bow! Asitha goes short and into the pitch, Minhas is backing away and is rushed on the pull, the ball hits the splice of the bat and lobs towards cover. Asitha runs across and takes a good catch. Arafat Minhas c and b Asitha Fernando 61(31) [4s-3 6s-4]
- Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, THATS OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!
- 47.34Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, FOUR, smashed! Pakistan are almost there. This is exceptional hitting from Minhas. He's been helped by Asitha ofcourse - full toss outside off, Minhas hammers it straight down the ground, with mid-off inside the ring, there's no need to run for that
- 47.26Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, SIX, back to back sixes! They are just one hit away from sealing it. This is higher, longer and better than the previous delivery. Asitha is not nailing those yorkers and is paying the price. Minhas gets under the length and launches it over long-on
- 47.16Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, SIX, fifty for Minhas. What a knock under pressure! He walked in with Pakistan having lost Zaman and Agha, but that did not deter him. He carried on playing his natural game and is now on the cusp of taking them over the line. Asitha misses the yorker and is dispatched over the rope. This is right in the slot and Minhas smokes it over long-on. He raises his bat and soaks in the applause of a packed Gaddafi Stadium
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avishka Fernandolbw b Salman Agha | 38 | 49 | 3 | 1 | 77.6 |
| Kamindu Mendislbw b Shaheen Afridi | 131 | 128 | 12 | 2 | 102.3 |
| Kusal Mendisc & b Salman Agha | 8 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 66.7 |
| Pavan Rathnayakec Babar Azam b Haris Rauf | 77 | 65 | 8 | 0 | 118.5 |
| Dasun Shanakac Maaz Sadaqat b Shaheen Afridi | 17 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 188.9 |
| Janith Liyanagec Maaz Sadaqat b Naseem Shah | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 66.7 |
| Sahan Arachchigec Faheem Ashraf b Naseem Shah | 15 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 125.0 |
| Dunith Wellalagec Saad Baig b Haris Rauf | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75.0 |
| Maheesh Theekshana*not out | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 112.5 |
| Asitha Fernando*not out | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 120.0 |
Extras15 (b 1, lb 3, w 10, nb 1)
Total325/8 (50.0 ov, RR 6.50)
Did not bat: Dilshan Madushanka
Fall of wickets: 87-1 (Avishka Fernando, 17.2 ov), 109-2 (Kusal Mendis, 21.3 ov), 255-3 (Kamindu Mendis, 41.1 ov), 279-4 (Dasun Shanaka, 43.2 ov), 283-5 (Pavan Rathnayake, 44.2 ov), 296-6 (Janith Liyanage, 46.3 ov), 305-7 (Dunith Wellalage, 47.4 ov), 307-8 (Sahan Arachchige, 48.1 ov)
| Bowler · PAK | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 10 | 0 | 50 | 2 | 5.00 |
| Naseem Shah | 10 | 0 | 80 | 2 | 8.00 |
| Arafat Minhas | 10 | 0 | 64 | 0 | 6.40 |
| Salman Agha | 7 | 0 | 44 | 2 | 6.29 |
| Haris Rauf | 10 | 1 | 60 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 3 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 7.67 |
Sri Lanka- 1Avishka FernandoBatter
- 2Kamindu MendisAll-rounder
- 3Kusal Mendis(c)(wk)Wicketkeeper
- 4Pavan RathnayakeBatter
- 5Sahan ArachchigeAll-rounder
- 6Janith LiyanageAll-rounder
- 7Dasun ShanakaAll-rounder
- 8Dunith WellalageAll-rounder
- 9Maheesh TheekshanaBowler
- 10Asitha FernandoBowler
- 11Dilshan MadushankaBowler
Bench
Pakistan- 1Fakhar ZamanBatter
- 2Maaz SadaqatAll-rounder
- 3Babar AzamBatter
- 4Saad Baig(wk)Wicketkeeper
- 5Salman AghaAll-rounder
- 6Hasan NawazBatter
- 7Arafat MinhasAll-rounder
- 8Faheem AshrafAll-rounder
- 9Shaheen Afridi(c)Bowler
- 10Naseem ShahBowler
- 11Haris RaufBowler
Bench
- 48.36Dilshan Madushanka to Shaheen Afridi, SIX, Pakistan win by 3 wickets. The skipper finishes it off in style. If there were roofs in the Gaddafi Stadium then it would be coming down right now - that's how loud the noise is. This is the joint highest chase in an ODI final, level with that India v England game at Lord's in 2002. Another short of length delivery from Madushanka, but he didn't get the bounce as the previous delivery, Shaheen rocks back and nails the pull over deep mid-wicket
- 47.5WAsitha Fernando to Faheem Ashraf, out Caught by Maheesh Theekshana!! Faheem goes for a duck. Asitha is on a hat-trick. Finally a catch is taken at third man. Short and outside off, Faheem tries to ramp it over third man but does not get enough to clear the rope. Theekshana runs to his left and takes it safely. Faheem Ashraf c Maheesh Theekshana b Asitha Fernando 0(1)
- 47.4WAsitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, out Caught&Bowled!! Oh no! Minhas won't be there to see Pakistan over the line. But he's done his part. A 31-ball 61 when the team needed, take a bow! Asitha goes short and into the pitch, Minhas is backing away and is rushed on the pull, the ball hits the splice of the bat and lobs towards cover. Asitha runs across and takes a good catch. Arafat Minhas c and b Asitha Fernando 61(31) [4s-3 6s-4]
- 47.34Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, FOUR, smashed! Pakistan are almost there. This is exceptional hitting from Minhas. He's been helped by Asitha ofcourse - full toss outside off, Minhas hammers it straight down the ground, with mid-off inside the ring, there's no need to run for that
- 47.26Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, SIX, back to back sixes! They are just one hit away from sealing it. This is higher, longer and better than the previous delivery. Asitha is not nailing those yorkers and is paying the price. Minhas gets under the length and launches it over long-on
- 47.16Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, SIX, fifty for Minhas. What a knock under pressure! He walked in with Pakistan having lost Zaman and Agha, but that did not deter him. He carried on playing his natural game and is now on the cusp of taking them over the line. Asitha misses the yorker and is dispatched over the rope. This is right in the slot and Minhas smokes it over long-on. He raises his bat and soaks in the applause of a packed Gaddafi Stadium
- 46.64Dilshan Madushanka to Hasan Nawaz, FOUR, slower ball outside off, would have been a wide but Nawaz does not allow it to go through, he reaches for it and cracks it in front of square. The sweeper gets around and dives but can't make the stop
- 46.26Dilshan Madushanka to Arafat Minhas, SIX, Minhas is taking Pakistan towards that target. Madushanka went for the yorker and missed it by some margin. Slot delivery and Minhas lofts through the line. He presents the full face of the bat and sends it sailing over long-on
- 45.46Dasun Shanaka to Arafat Minhas, SIX, this is huge. The duo are stepping on the gas now. This is a short of length delivery and at Shanaka's pace, the ball sits up nicely for Minhas and he nails the pull in front of square. He got plenty of height and the distance - 81 meters
- 45.14Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, FOUR, first boundary for Nawaz. He's been waiting for it. Short and outside off, he does not try to smash the cut shot - opens the bat face and glides it behind square on the off-side. Split backward point and short third perfectly
- 44.54Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, FOUR, smashed! Asitha misses his yorker and it is a half volley, Minhas clears his front leg and drills it straight down the ground. The power didn't allow the long-on fielder to get around and make the stop
- 42.64Dasun Shanaka to Arafat Minhas, FOUR, there's the four. It had been more than 10 overs since a boundary was scored. A much needed one for Pakistan. Just releases some of the pressure. Shanaka overpitches outside off and Minhas puts it away in disdain, creams the drive in front of square and does not bother to run
- 41.1OTeam milestoneDunith Wellalage to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, wicket to wicket from Wellalage, Minhas camps back and works it through mid-wicket
- 36.5WDunith Wellalage to Salman Agha, out Bowled!! Knocked 'im over! This is a good phase for Sri Lanka. They got rid of the centurion, brought the field in and build the pressure on the new batter. Agha tries to release it with a sweep shot only to be castled. Tossed up and drifts in with the arm, Agha kneels down and is through the shot early, misses and the ball smashes into off-stump. Sri Lanka are right back in this contest. Salman Agha b Dunith Wellalage 17(25)
- 33.4WDilshan Madushanka to Fakhar Zaman, out Bowled!! Cleaned up! Much needed wicket for Sri Lanka. They have removed the centurion. Zaman was dropped thrice and he made the most of it, playing a superb knock and putting Pakistan ahead in the chase. And he rightly walks off to a standing ovation. Seemed like he premeditated the charge down the pitch, Madushanka saw him coming - went full and straight, Zaman plays all over it and misses the ball completely, the ball crashes into the base of middle-stump. Fakhar Zaman b Dilshan Madushanka 127(99) [4s-11 6s-6]
- 32.44Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, another fumble and it is four more. Sri Lanka's fielding has been sloppy, and that is putting it mildly. Flatter and fraction short, Zaman cracks it in front of the square and the sweeper gets around, dives and tries to stop the ball, it deflects off his body into the rope
- 32.34Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, smashed! Fullish delivery around off, Zaman sits down and belts the sweep square on the leg-side. He rolls his wrists over and generates incredible power as well
- 31.16Dilshan Madushanka to Fakhar Zaman, SIX, tipped over. Not the first time today. Earlier it was Madushanka, and it is Theekshana this time. Short and outside off, Zaman ramps it to third man. Theekshana does not judge it well. Comes in, then goes back and tries to take it with one hand over the rope, ends up spilling it. Third catch dropped off Zaman and he's making Sri Lanka pay
- 29.54Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, 12th ODI ton and becomes only the second Pakistan batter after Anwar to score two tons in the finals of an ODI. Takes his helmet off and raises his bat as his teammates stand up to applaud him. It was too short on middle, Zaman gets into the position quickly and hammers the pull in front of square to deep mid-wicket
- 28.24Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, poor lines from Theekshana, too short and wide outside off, Zaman goes deep into the crease and slaps it off the back foot to deep extra cover, you just can't bowl short to him when he is in such vein of form
- 27.16Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, SIX, he's welcomed Fernando with a half a dozen. It was full and on middle, with mid-off and mid-on up in the circle, it was a free invitation for Zaman to step down the track and hammers it straight over the bowler's head. It thuds right into the sight screen, 84mts on that!
- 26.5WMaheesh Theekshana to Saad Baig, out Caught&Bowled!! An excellent innings has ended in a soft dismissal, it was a harmless full ball on off, Baig hits it tamely back to the bowler, who accepts an easy catch off his own bowling. Baig is not happy as he trudges towards the pavilion. This the opening Sri Lanka were looking for and the dangerous stand has been broken. Saad Baig c and b Maheesh Theekshana 74(75) [4s-11]
- 26.34Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, he's in a dangerous mood today, dances down the track and absolutely smashes it past the non-striker to long-on, it went like a tracer-bullet!
- 26.14Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, they are finding boundaries at will at the moment, tossed up and turning in, Zaman kneels down and sweeps it behind square to backward square leg
- 25.44Dasun Shanaka to Saad Baig, FOUR, that hsa been thumped away, it was short and sits up well for the pull, Baig gets on top of the ball and absolutely smacks it across the line to deep mid-wicket
- 24.5DDropped catchMaheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run, that would have been a sensational catch if Theekshana had hold onto it, Zaman chipped it in the air towards mid-off, Theekshana dived full length to his right and got some part of the hand on it, but these catches should stick to the hand
- 24.44Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, used the pace nicely on that occasion, the quicker delivery outside off, Zaman plays it late and dabs it down to third man, back-back boundaries for Zaman
- 24.34Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, terrible fielding from Asita at short fine, tossed up on middle, Zaman gets down and sweeps it towards Asita, whi lets it through his legs and the ball rolls away to fine leg
- 23.24Dasun Shanaka to Saad Baig, FOUR, that is a gorgeous shot! Slightly shorter and outside off, Baig gets on top of the bounce and flays it on the up to deep backward point, pure timing and it raced away
- 22.36Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, SIX, he's launched it over the ropes with ease, tossed up and turning in, Zaman dances down the track and slogs it right into the stands over deep mid-wicket
- 21.64Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, he gets to his 20th fifty in style, too short on the pads, Zaman pulls it away to backward square leg, a fine innings from him so far and Pakistan will need him to continue
- 21.2OMilestoneDasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run, slower short delivery, Zaman guides it down to third man, the partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig is now 100
- 20.64Dunith Wellalage to Saad Baig, FOUR, streaky, but they will take it, it was fraction wide outside off, Baig was camping back, slashes hard at it and the ball races away off the thick outside edge to third man
- 19.3UDRS reviewDasun Shanaka to Saad Baig, no run, desperate Sri Lanka burn a review, the off-cutter pitched outside leg stump, Baig plays down the wrong line and misses it. Shanaka was confident and forces the skipper for the review, but it had clearly pitched outside
- 19.2FOFifty · Team milestoneDasun Shanaka to Saad Baig, 2 runs, maiden ODI fifty for Baig, this has been an excellent innings so far, straying on the pads, Baig nudges it away to fine leg, a good sliding stop in the deep
- 17.14Dilshan Madushanka to Saad Baig, FOUR, he's hammered it away, banged in short, Baig gets into the position quickly and smashes it over the in-field between mid-wicket and long-on
- 15.24Dilshan Madushanka to Saad Baig, FOUR, the boundaries are beginning to come now - short of a good length and angling back into the left-hander, Baig picked the length early, swivels across and then muscles the pull past mid-wicket
- 14.64Sahan Arachchige to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, lovely shot, fraction short and wide of off - Fakhar Zaman backs away, cuts it late and uses the pace on the ball to beat backward point to his right
- 13.34Janith Liyanage to Saad Baig, FOUR, nicely played, too straight from Liyanage, the angle takes it on the pads and it's clipped behind square on the on-side, beats the man in the ring and runs away to the ropes
- 11.66Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, SIX, clubbed, length ball angling into the left-hander - Fakhar Zaman takes a step forward and then whips it over deep backward square leg for a maximum
- 9.54Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR, Asitha goes full and at the stumps - once again Fakhar Zaman's bottom-hand takes over on the shovel, but he's managed to drag it wide of mid-wicket for a boundary
- 9.34Asitha Fernando to Saad Baig, FOUR, short, wide and four, width on offer and Baig went chasing after that - didn't come off the middle of the bat, but he's placed it wide of the fielder at third man
- 6.36Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, SIX, clubbed, tossed up on off, Fakhar Zaman gets a good stride forward and then hoists it high over wide mid-wicket, sent it sailing deep into the stands for a maximum
- 5.64Dilshan Madushanka to Saad Baig, FOUR, back-to-back boundaries and Baig has started well again - too short from Madushanka, Baig is quick to swivel across as he pulled it over square leg for a boundary
- 5.54Dilshan Madushanka to Saad Baig, FOUR, cracking shot, banged in short and at the left-hander - Baig picks the length early, swivels across and then pulls it over square leg for a boundary
- 3.64Dilshan Madushanka to Saad Baig, FOUR, sloppy from Asitha and it has cost his team a boundary - back of a length and well wide of off, Baig runs it down towards third man. Asitha had it covered, but it popped up off his knees and rolled away to the ropes
- 3.54Dilshan Madushanka to Saad Baig, FOUR, cracking shot, on a good length and well wide of off - Saad Baig's feet hardly moved as he elant into the drive, played it on the rise and into the gap past cover-point for a boundary
- 3.3WDilshan Madushanka to Babar Azam, out Caught by Pavan Rathnayake!! Edged and a juggling Rathnayake grabs it after repeated attempts. The 3rd umpire has been called though - Went chest high to his right and he grabbed at that, the ball popped out of his grasp and he seemed to have lost it on the rebound. But he does manage to get his left hand down and then clasps the ball cleanly with both hands - all this while he was falling to the ground. Sharfuddoula Saikat needs just one look and he sends Babar on his way, leaving the crowd stunned in silence. Second wicket for Madushanka - pitched up and got it to nip away with the angle, drew Babar Azam into a big drive, and he went so with hard hands. Rathnayake was stationed at fourth slip or gully for Babar, and the ball flew straight to him. Babar Azam c Pavan Rathnayake b Dilshan Madushanka 0(5)
- 2.36Asitha Fernando to Fakhar Zaman, SIX, just over third man, short of a good length and angling across the left-hander - Fakhar Zaman went hard on the cut and the edge flew towards third man. Madushanka was right in front of the ropes, got his left hand on the leap and palmed it over
- 1.4WDilshan Madushanka to Maaz Sadaqat, out Caught by Pavan Rathnayake!! Edged and caught! Over ambition and that has cost Sadaqat his wicket - Nicely bowled by Madushanka, pitched up and a hint of shape away from off, Sadaqat came down the pitch, made room for the drive and didn't account for the movement - the ball catches the outside edge and went flying towards first slip. Pavan Ratnayake reacts well, goes reverse cupped and held onto a sharp overhead catch. Maaz Sadaqat c Pavan Rathnayake b Dilshan Madushanka 5(7) [4s-1]
- 0.34Asitha Fernando to Maaz Sadaqat, FOUR, cracking shot, back of a length and well wide of off - Maaz Sadaqat stands tall and then punches it in front of square on the off-side, beats cover-point and runs away to the ropes
- The return of the tri-series format in ODIs after a while was a welcome one, and this tournament was a timely reminder of just how competitive and entertaining these contests can be. Perhaps something cricket boards should consider more often. Across the seven games, there were plenty of memorable moments and a few surprises along the way. Who would have thought England would lose their first three matches and miss out on the final? Pakistan and Sri Lanka, meanwhile, played excellent cricket and more importantly unearthed exciting talent. Pavan Rathnayake was the standout, finishing as the series' leading run-scorer with 427 runs, while Arafat Minhas made a valuable impact with both bat and ball. Both sides have shown that the talent is there; the challenge now is for their respective managements to nurture these youngsters and help them grow into future stars. And with that, it's time to draw the curtains on our coverage. We hope you enjoyed following the action with us. Until next time, goodbye and stay safe!
- Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan captain - [On the bowling plans that helped Pakistan pull things back in the final overs] Yeah, I think that was crucial. When we started bowling, the first three, four overs had gone, and then we just decided to go cross-seam and bowl some bouncers. And then later on, there might be reverse. And then we can take wickets later on. So I think we had a great comeback after that. And also, the way our batting started, it collapsed again, but it was good Fakhar in the batting and he played such a good knock. [On Fakhar's importance to Pakistan in big matches] Yeah, I always say, whenever Fakhar scores for us, that is a big game. [On the youngsters and their contributions during the tournament and the final] Yeah, they were really impressive. Like, first game, Saad Baig played in Pindi, really impressive. And the way he played here, even Fakhar was struggling and he took on that game. And Arafat and Hasan Nawaz with bat. So I think that was a good sign for Pakistan cricket. So youngsters coming and they had a perform. [On Pakistan's ongoing World Cup preparations and the significance of winning the tri-series] Yeah, we already had started our preparation three series ago. So we had a great series again. Last time Pakistan won a tri-nation series, I think, was in 2008. And now, first time after a long time. It's really happy, proud of this team.
- Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka captain - [What did you make of 325?] We played really well in the first couple of overs. And Madushanka bowled really well and Kamindu batted really well. I enjoyed the way batting. But we have to score another 25-30 runs more. [On whether not having a fifth frontline bowler, given Sri Lanka's all-rounder combination, made a difference during the defence] Yeah, I'm honestly a little bit hard to bowl with a fifth bowler because the dew is coming in and the conditions are a little bit better in the second innings. I think our bowling unit done really well in the first couple of overs, putting the powerplay. Dilshan bowled really well. And Dunith bowled really well. I think we did a mistake in the field a little bit. That's, I think, what we have to improve going forward. I think we improve a little bit in the fielding part. [On the positives from the tri-series] Yeah, of course, we have so many positive things. And Pavan batted really well. Dunith bowled really well. And Kamindu batted really well. And Avishka, everybody, some matches doing something in special areas. Then as a captain, I'm very happy when I played the whole tournament. And we have to improve some areas as I mentioned before. And honestly, everybody happy when I played in Pakistan, again in England also. Then when going forward, I think we have to improve some areas.
- Arafat Minhas (2/2): [On how they assessed Sri Lanka's bowling options and capitalised on an opportunity towards the end] Absolutely, we had an idea. Even when from outside (dugout), we had been told that they might have a bit of an issue with their overs because their frontline bowlers had already bowled a lot. We were calculating that and playing accordingly. And towards the end, when I got the opportunity, I charged and got a really good big over. So I think we were playing with that kind of calculation, and we took the game right till the end. [On his identity as an all-rounder and his commitment to contributing in both departments] Absolutely, winning a final brings its own happiness. And I think I've been saying from the beginning that I am an all-rounder, and I always try to give 100 per cent with both my batting and bowling.
- Arafat Minhas | Player of the Series (1/2) - [On his bowling improvement and his batting contributions] Absolutely. Just as the team needed today. When I went in, we were talking about belief, that we had to believe in each other. And I think that belief was there. We enjoyed those moments in the middle, and we won the match. [On staying calm and executing his skills under pressure] Yes, absolutely, there is pressure. I think the more you enjoy that pressure, the calmer you remain and the better you execute your skills. That was exactly what I tried to do, to stay calm in the middle. Both of us knew each other's abilities, so we were playing after calculating things, and that's what helped us win the match.
- Fakhar Zaman (2/2): [On the mental preparation, given his lack of runs in the previous four matches and the pressure of chasing more than 300 in a final] No, look, I've played enough cricket now to know that when it's my day and the ball starts coming nicely off my bat, I'll score big. So I was just waiting for that moment. I didn't do anything particularly different from the way I had approached the previous four matches. I prepared for this game in exactly the same way. But that's the thing: when you score runs, we start talking about how mentally ready you were, how your fitness was and all of that. I prepared for this match in the same way I had prepared for the other games. Luckily, the runs came today. [On the joy of contributing to a title-winning performance] Absolutely. Look, whatever performances you put in throughout the tournament, you do them with the aim of winning the trophy. And when you score runs in the final, the happiness is even greater. I consider myself lucky that I managed to score runs in the final today.
- Fakhar Zaman | Player of the Match (1/2) - [On his knock] Look, the way my first four matches had gone, I felt a good performance was due, and I was putting in the effort. But cricket is such a game that sometimes you're in really good touch, but the runs just don't come. Even today, I was struggling a little at the start, but luckily the runs came, and that's a good thing for me. Whenever there is a final, I seem to score runs. [On the partnership with Saad Baig after Pakistan lost two early wickets] I've played domestic cricket with him as well, and he's a very talented player. Even today, when I was struggling at that stage, he came in and scored quite quickly. That allowed me to relax and take my time. If he had also played slowly like me, perhaps I would have tried to take a few more chances, and if you take those chances, you can end up losing your wicket. So the credit goes to him for the way he started and the way he built his innings. In my opinion, his was the best innings of the match.
- 21:24 Local Time, 16:24 GMT, 21:54 IST: A fitting finale to a cracking tri-series! The game ebbed and flowed, with both teams having their moments, but Pakistan held their nerve when it mattered most to chase down the target and lift the title. Sri Lanka made a terrific start with Madushanka striking twice early, removing Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam. Fakhar Zaman, however, was given three lives and made Sri Lanka pay dearly. He first stitched together a 100+ stand with youngster Saad Baig, who chipped in with an impressive 74, before shifting gears and racing to a century. In the process, Zaman became only the second Pakistan batter to score two centuries in ODI finals. He looked set to take Pakistan home with a few overs to spare, but Madushanka returned to dismiss him, and Agha followed soon after. That brought two youngsters, Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas, together at the crease. Showing remarkable composure under pressure, the duo put on a 94-run stand, with Minhas smashing a 28-ball fifty and though he wasn't there to finish it off, skipper Shaheen took them over with nine balls to spare. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will rue their finish with the bat. They were on course for a total in the 340-350 range but lost their way in the final 10 overs, eventually settling for 325. Those 20-25 runs proved costly in the end. Stay tuned for the presentations..
- Over 49 · 7 runs (1 0 6)
- 48.36Dilshan Madushanka to Shaheen Afridi, SIX, Pakistan win by 3 wickets. The skipper finishes it off in style. If there were roofs in the Gaddafi Stadium then it would be coming down right now - that's how loud the noise is. This is the joint highest chase in an ODI final, level with that India v England game at Lord's in 2002. Another short of length delivery from Madushanka, but he didn't get the bounce as the previous delivery, Shaheen rocks back and nails the pull over deep mid-wicket
- 48.2•Dilshan Madushanka to Shaheen Afridi, no run, 131.1ks bouncer angling in, Shaheen tries to take it on but the ball climbs over the top-edge
- 48.11Dilshan Madushanka to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, 131.9ks short of length delivery, Nawaz rides the bounce and steers to backward point
- End of over 48 · 16 runs (6 6 4 W W 0) · 2 wktPAK 324/7Shaheen Afridi 0(1) · Hasan Nawaz 36(44) · Asitha Fernando 9-1-72-2
- 47.6•Asitha Fernando to Shaheen Afridi, no run, 136.1ks full and at the stumps, Shaheen eases it to mid-on
- Shaheen Afridi, left handed bat, comes to the crease
- 47.5WAsitha Fernando to Faheem Ashraf, out Caught by Maheesh Theekshana!! Faheem goes for a duck. Asitha is on a hat-trick. Finally a catch is taken at third man. Short and outside off, Faheem tries to ramp it over third man but does not get enough to clear the rope. Theekshana runs to his left and takes it safely. Faheem Ashraf c Maheesh Theekshana b Asitha Fernando 0(1)
- Asitha Fernando to Faheem Ashraf, THATS OUT!! Caught!!
- Faheem Ashraf, left handed bat, comes to the crease
- 47.4WAsitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, out Caught&Bowled!! Oh no! Minhas won't be there to see Pakistan over the line. But he's done his part. A 31-ball 61 when the team needed, take a bow! Asitha goes short and into the pitch, Minhas is backing away and is rushed on the pull, the ball hits the splice of the bat and lobs towards cover. Asitha runs across and takes a good catch. Arafat Minhas c and b Asitha Fernando 61(31) [4s-3 6s-4]
- Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, THATS OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!
- 47.34Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, FOUR, smashed! Pakistan are almost there. This is exceptional hitting from Minhas. He's been helped by Asitha ofcourse - full toss outside off, Minhas hammers it straight down the ground, with mid-off inside the ring, there's no need to run for that
- 47.26Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, SIX, back to back sixes! They are just one hit away from sealing it. This is higher, longer and better than the previous delivery. Asitha is not nailing those yorkers and is paying the price. Minhas gets under the length and launches it over long-on
- 47.16Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, SIX, fifty for Minhas. What a knock under pressure! He walked in with Pakistan having lost Zaman and Agha, but that did not deter him. He carried on playing his natural game and is now on the cusp of taking them over the line. Asitha misses the yorker and is dispatched over the rope. This is right in the slot and Minhas smokes it over long-on. He raises his bat and soaks in the applause of a packed Gaddafi Stadium
- Asitha Fernando [8.0-1-56-0] is back into the attack
- 18 from 18 now. Pakistan have this game in the bag unless there's a dramatic collapse. The wheels are coming off for Sri Lanka.
- End of over 47 · 13 runs (1 wd 6 1 0 0 4)PAK 308/5Hasan Nawaz 36(44) · Arafat Minhas 45(27) · Dilshan Madushanka 9-1-56-3
- 46.64Dilshan Madushanka to Hasan Nawaz, FOUR, slower ball outside off, would have been a wide but Nawaz does not allow it to go through, he reaches for it and cracks it in front of square. The sweeper gets around and dives but can't make the stop
- 46.5•Dilshan Madushanka to Hasan Nawaz, no run, another well-directed bouncer, Nawaz sways out of the line and lets it pass. A couple of dots won't matter much. Mike Hesson thought it should have been a wide
- 46.4•Dilshan Madushanka to Hasan Nawaz, no run, a better short ball, Nawaz saw it early and ducks under to evade it
- 46.31Dilshan Madushanka to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, off-pace delivery, Minhas rocks back and mistimes the pull to deep mid-wicket
- 46.26Dilshan Madushanka to Arafat Minhas, SIX, Minhas is taking Pakistan towards that target. Madushanka went for the yorker and missed it by some margin. Slot delivery and Minhas lofts through the line. He presents the full face of the bat and sends it sailing over long-on
- 46.2wdDilshan Madushanka to Arafat Minhas, wide, slower bouncer, but it is too short and too high, Minhas does not even duck to evade it. Called for height
- 46.11Dilshan Madushanka to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, 135.8ks full toss around off, Nawaz angles it towards point and the fielder makes a half stop
- Dilshan Madushanka [8.0-1-43-3] is back into the attack
- End of over 46 · 15 runs (4 1 2 6 1 1)PAK 295/5Hasan Nawaz 31(40) · Arafat Minhas 38(25) · Dasun Shanaka 7-0-57-0
- 45.61Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, very full and close to yorker length, Nawaz digs it out to long-on
- 45.51Dasun Shanaka to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, 113.4ks slower ball outside off, Minhas reaches for it and slices it to sweeper cover. Kamindu takes the safer option of collecting it on the bounce rather than going for the catch. Not sure Shanaka agreed with that decision
- 45.46Dasun Shanaka to Arafat Minhas, SIX, this is huge. The duo are stepping on the gas now. This is a short of length delivery and at Shanaka's pace, the ball sits up nicely for Minhas and he nails the pull in front of square. He got plenty of height and the distance - 81 meters
- 45.32Dasun Shanaka to Arafat Minhas, 2 runs, floaty delivery, Minhas waits and drives it wide of long-off, two more
- 45.21Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, on a length and outside off, Nawaz chops it to short third and crosses over
- 45.14Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, FOUR, first boundary for Nawaz. He's been waiting for it. Short and outside off, he does not try to smash the cut shot - opens the bat face and glides it behind square on the off-side. Split backward point and short third perfectly
- Dasun Shanaka [6.0-0-42-0] is back into the attack
- Equation - 46 runs | 30 balls | 5 wickets. This partnership has reached 50. They are doing it in a smart, calculated way. Pakistan are the favourites from here..
- End of over 45 · 10 runs (1 1 1 1 4 2)PAK 280/5Arafat Minhas 29(22) · Hasan Nawaz 25(37) · Asitha Fernando 8-1-56-0
- 44.62Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, 2 runs, low full toss, Minhas whips it away in front of square and this time the long-on fielder gets around, tumbles over and keeps it down to a couple
- 44.54Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, FOUR, smashed! Asitha misses his yorker and it is a half volley, Minhas clears his front leg and drills it straight down the ground. The power didn't allow the long-on fielder to get around and make the stop
- 44.41Asitha Fernando to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, 133.2ks good length ball, angling in and Nawaz closes the bat face, the leading-edge rolls to mid-off
- The umpires are checking the ball. They have called for a replacement. There's plenty of dew around. Sri Lanka's players have been wiping the ball before each delivery. Kusal Mendis checks the ball before tossing it to Asitha.
- 44.31Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, 128.8ks low full toss around off, Minhas whips it to long-on
- 44.21Asitha Fernando to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, full pitcher on leg, Nawaz drives it down to long-on
- 44.11Asitha Fernando to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, 130.2ks low full toss on the stumps, Minhas jams it out to mid-off
- Asitha Fernando [7.0-1-46-0] is back into the attack
- Theekshana and Wellalage are done with their spells. Asitha and Madushanka have to bowl 5 overs between them, leaving the other to Shanaka. These two batters seem calm and composed. Can they take Pakistan over the line? Here's Asitha.. He's most likely going to bowl the 45th, 47th and 49th over.
- End of over 44 · 6 runs (1 1 0 1 2 1)PAK 270/5Arafat Minhas 21(18) · Hasan Nawaz 23(35) · Maheesh Theekshana 10-0-57-1
- 43.61Maheesh Theekshana to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, 100.7ks darted in around off, Minhas knocks it to long-on and retains strike
- 43.52Maheesh Theekshana to Arafat Minhas, 2 runs, full delivery outside off, Minhas drives wide of long-off and picks up a couple
- 43.41Maheesh Theekshana to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, 97.5ks very full delivery, Nawaz's eyes light up on seeing the length and he went for the big hit down the ground, miscued it off the outer half and luckily the ball lands short of long-off
- 43.3•Maheesh Theekshana to Hasan Nawaz, no run, 98.8ks quicker and closer to off, Nawaz knocks it to the right of Theekshana
- 43.21Maheesh Theekshana to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, 97.1ks fuller and outside off, Minhas drives uppishly to long-off
- 43.11Maheesh Theekshana to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, 96.2ks flatter and around off, Nawaz guides it to short third and crosses over
- Maheesh Theekshana [9.0-0-51-1] is back into the attack
- End of over 43 · 7 runs (0 0 2 0 1 4)PAK 264/5Arafat Minhas 17(15) · Hasan Nawaz 21(32) · Dasun Shanaka 6-0-42-0
- 42.64Dasun Shanaka to Arafat Minhas, FOUR, there's the four. It had been more than 10 overs since a boundary was scored. A much needed one for Pakistan. Just releases some of the pressure. Shanaka overpitches outside off and Minhas puts it away in disdain, creams the drive in front of square and does not bother to run
- 42.51Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, shortens the length outside off, Nawaz pulls hard and straight to deep mid-wicket
- 42.4•Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, no run, full pitcher around off, Nawaz digs the drive out to extra cover
- 42.32Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, 2 runs, fuller than good length, Nawaz drives wide of long-off and collects a brace
- 42.2•Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, no run, on a length and close to off, Nawaz knocks it to cover
- 42.1•Dasun Shanaka to Hasan Nawaz, no run, fuller and outside off, Nawaz pushes it firmly to cover
- End of over 42 · 8 runs (1 1 1 1 3 1)PAK 257/5Hasan Nawaz 18(27) · Arafat Minhas 13(14) · Dunith Wellalage 10-0-58-1
- 41.61Dunith Wellalage to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, driven down to long-off
- 41.53Dunith Wellalage to Arafat Minhas, 3 runs, super stuff from Avishka. Flighted delivery, Minhas sits down and sweeps in front of square. He seemed to have split deep mid-wicket and deep square, but Avishka says not on his watch - runs to his right and parries the ball in play. Rathnayake tidies up and sends in the throw. They save a run
- 41.41Dunith Wellalage to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, 84.3ks tossed up on off, Nawaz punches to long-off
- 41.31Dunith Wellalage to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, 85.2ks fraction short, Minhas miscues the back foot lofted punch to long-off, the ball lands well in front
- Goes over the wicket to Minhas
- 41.21Dunith Wellalage to Hasan Nawaz, 1 run, 84.1ks sliding in with the arm, Nawaz whips it towards deep mid-wicket
- 41.11Dunith Wellalage to Arafat Minhas, 1 run, wicket to wicket from Wellalage, Minhas camps back and works it through mid-wicket
No stories on this match yet.