Fakhar Zaman's 126 helps Pakistan chase 326 to beat Sri Lanka and win tri-series

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to win the tri-series trophy. The series was played in Pakistan among Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. Pakistan and Sri Lanka reached the final, while England failed to qualify because of poor performances.

The final was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 31. Pakistan won the title by chasing a record score, and with the win they have also equalled a major record held by India.

Sri Lanka batted first. Kamindu Mendis played a superb innings, scoring 131 off 128 balls. Pavan Rathnayake added 77 and Avishka Fernando made 38. Thanks to these innings, Sri Lanka scored 325 for 8 in 50 overs. For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Salman Ali Agha took two wickets each.

Pakistan needed 326 to win but did not start well, losing two wickets for just 14 runs. Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig then put together a fine partnership. Baig made 74 off 75 balls, while Zaman played a powerful innings of 126 off 99 balls.

In the lower order, Arafat Minhas made a brisk 61 off just 31 balls. Hasan Nawaz also contributed 37. Pakistan reached the target of 326 in 48.3 overs and beat Sri Lanka by three wickets, taking the 2026 tri-series title.

The record that has been equalled dates to July 13, 2002, when India beat England in the final of the NatWest Series. It is regarded as one of the most memorable wins in Indian cricket history. In that final at Lord's, the Indian team chased down a target of 326. Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif shared a memorable partnership in that match.

That was the biggest successful run chase in a men's ODI final. By completing a target of 326 against Sri Lanka, Pakistan have drawn level with India. The record for the biggest run chase in a men's ODI final is now shared by Pakistan and India.