Fakhar Zaman's Century Powers Pakistan To Record-Breaking Tri-Series Title

The tri-nation series final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Lahore not only delivered a thrilling contest but also produced several notable statistical milestones, as Fakhar Zaman's century and Pakistan's successful chase of 326 entered the record books. Fakhar once again starred in a big match for the Men in Green as one of the most exciting ODI tri-series in recent memory came to an end with a massive run chase at the Gaddafi Stadium. The left-handed batter scored a superb 127 off 99 balls, helping his side chase down 326 with three wickets and nine balls to spare.

The target of 326 is the joint-highest successfully chased in an ODI tournament final, equalling India's famous chase of 326 against England in the 2002 NatWest Tri-Series final.

A total of 656 runs were scored in the match, making it the highest aggregate in an ODI tournament final, surpassing the 651 runs scored in the 2002 NatWest Tri-Series final between England and India, according to Cricbuzz.

This was Fakhar's second century in three ODI finals, having previously scored one against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Alongside legendary Saeed Anwar, he is the only Pakistan batter to score multiple centuries in ODI finals. Across three ODI finals, Fakhar has scored 251 runs at an average of 83.66 and a strike rate of 114.09. Anwar, meanwhile, amassed 914 runs in 29 finals at an average of 31.51 and a strike rate of 81.53, including two centuries and four half-centuries, with a highest score of 140.

Fakhar has now scored four ODI centuries while chasing targets of 300-plus, the most by any Pakistan batter in such situations. He surpassed Babar Azam and Younis Khan, who each have three centuries in successful 300-plus chases.

Fakhar also completed 4,000 ODI runs in just 96 innings, becoming Pakistan's second-fastest batter to the milestone after Babar Azam (82 innings). In 97 ODIs, he has scored 4,019 runs at an average of 44.65, with 12 centuries and 19 fifties. His highest score remains 210*.

Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis' knock of 131, his maiden ODI century, is the third-highest score by a Sri Lankan batter in an ODI final. Sanath Jayasuriya's 189 against India in the 2000 Coca-Cola Champions Trophy final remains the highest, followed by Marvan Atapattu's unbeaten 132 against England in the 1998 Emirates Triangular Tournament final.

With his knock of 77 in the final, Pavan Rathnayake ended the tri-series as the leading run-scorer with 427 runs at an average of 106.75 and a strike rate of 122.7, including two centuries and two fifties, with a best score of 130.

Rathnayake's tally is the third-highest by a Sri Lankan batter in a tri-nation tournament. Only Tillakaratne Dilshan (513 runs in the 2011-12 CB Series) and Kumar Sangakkara (469 runs in the 2005-06 VB Series) have scored more in such tournaments.

Coming to the match, Pakistan opted to bowl first. Sri Lanka got off to a strong start through an 87-run opening partnership between Avishka Fernando (38 off 49 balls, three fours and a six) and Kamindu Mendis (131 off 128 balls, 13 fours and two sixes).

Kamindu then added 146 runs for the third wicket with Pavan Rathnayake (77 off 65 balls, eight fours) as Sri Lanka posted 325/8 in 50 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Salman Ali Agha claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Pakistan slipped to 14/2 before Fakhar (127 off 99 balls, 11 fours and six sixes) and Saad Baig (74 off 75 balls, 11 fours) stitched together a 149-run partnership to revive the chase.

With 106 runs still required after Fakhar's dismissal, Hasan Nawaz (37* off 45 balls) and Arafat Minhas (61 off 31 balls, three fours and four sixes) guided Pakistan to a memorable victory.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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