Fakhar Zaman's 127 keeps Pakistan on track in 326-run chase against Sri Lanka
“Left-hander becomes second Pakistani to score two centuries in ODI finalsLAHORE (Dunya News) – Fakhar Zaman produced a magnificent century to put Pakistan in a …”
The left-hander struck 127 off 99 deliveries, reaching his 4,000th ODI run along the way as Pakistan reached 224 for four after 35 overs. With 102 runs required from the remaining 90 deliveries, Pakistan remained firmly in contention for the title after recovering from an early collapse.
Record-breaking knock. Zaman's innings included 11 fours and six sixes, with the batter bringing up his 12th ODI century in the 30th over. He reached the landmark with a powerful pull shot off Asitha Fernando, having faced 85 deliveries.
The century also made Zaman only the second Pakistan batter after Saeed Anwar to score two hundreds in ODI finals. The milestone was particularly significant as Zaman had entered the final with 3,892 ODI runs and needed 108 to reach the 4,000-run mark.
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His 127-run contribution took him comfortably past the landmark. Pakistan had a difficult start to the chase, losing Maaz Sadaqat for five in the second over before Babar Azam departed for a duck in the fourth.
Both wickets were claimed by Dilshan Madushanka, who put Sri Lanka in a strong position with the new ball. However, Zaman and young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig rebuilt the innings with a crucial partnership. Baig scored 74 from 75 deliveries, hitting 11 boundaries, while the pair took Pakistan past 150 and brought the required run rate under control.
Their partnership ended at 163 when Baig was caught and bowled by Maheesh Theekshana in the 27th over. Chase remains alive. Zaman continued his attacking approach alongside Salman Ali Agha before Madushanka finally dismissed the centurion in the 34th over.
The left-arm pacer bowled Zaman for 127, ending an innings that included three dropped catches and earned the batter a standing ovation as he walked back to the pavilion. At the end of 35 overs, Pakistan were 224 for four, with Hasan Nawaz on two and Salman Ali Agha on 13.
Madushanka was Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker with three wickets for 41 runs in seven overs. Pakistan needed another 102 runs from 15 overs, with six wickets remaining, to secure the ODI Tri-Series trophy on home soil.
Playing XIs. Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Sri Lanka:Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
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