Fakhar's 127 and Shaheen's last-over six help Pakistan chase down 326 with three wickets to spare

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in a thrilling tri-series encounter, chasing down 326 with seven wickets down. Sri Lanka had posted 325/8 after being put in to bat first. The decisive moment came in the final over when Shaheen Afridi hit a six to seal the win.

The most striking aspect of this victory is that Pakistan had been bundled out for just 110 runs four days earlier. Recovering from that humiliation to chase down 326 speaks volumes about the team's mental resilience and batting depth. The match was part of a tri-series that also involves England.

The story of the match unfolds in three parts: Sri Lanka's innings, Pakistan's early wobble, and then Fakhar Zaman's century, the Minhas-Nawaz partnership, and Shaheen's last-over finish.

Sri Lanka's innings: Kamindu's century and the final-nine-over collapse

Batting first, Sri Lanka had reached a commanding 255/2 in 41 overs. From that position, a total around 350 looked inevitable. But Pakistan's bowlers staged a strong comeback in the final nine overs, and Sri Lanka lost six wickets, finishing at 325/8. That shift was the first major turning point of the match.

Kamindu Mendis played a superb innings of 131, his highest ODI score, more than doubling his previous career-best. His knock included several fine shots and put Sri Lanka in a strong position.

Pavan Rathnayake contributed a valuable 77. He has been in excellent form in this series, accumulating 427 runs, though that tally comes from only four completed innings. His average of 106.75 is statistically misleading given the small sample size, but his form has been crucial for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's innings featured two substantial partnerships—one of 146 and another of 87. These gave the team a platform for a big total, but the final nine overs undid much of that work. Pakistan's bowlers tightened the screws and restricted Sri Lanka to 325/8.

Pakistan's chase: early crisis at 14/2

Chasing 326, Pakistan suffered early blows. Maaz was dismissed for 1, and captain Babar Azam fell for a duck, leaving the team reeling at 14/2. Pakistan's position looked precarious.

Babar's failure was a major blow. A big innings was expected from him, especially in a chase of this magnitude where an experienced batsman's role is critical. But it was not to be, and the pressure shifted to the younger batsmen.

Saad Baig and Fakhar Zaman steady the ship

Saad Baig took charge in the crisis. On the eve of his 20th birthday, he played a fine innings of 74—his first international half-century, coming off 52 balls. It was a significant achievement for a young player, especially under pressure.

Fakhar Zaman batted aggressively at the other end. He scored 127, reaching his century off 84 balls. His innings included several excellent shots. But there was a curious aspect to his knock: he was dropped three times.

He was reprieved on 6, on 69, and on 106. Maheesh Theekshana dropped him twice. Had any of those catches been taken, the match could have taken a completely different turn. This aspect is important because it shows that Fakhar's century was not purely a product of his batting—it was also aided by fielding lapses.

The 94-run partnership between Minhas and Nawaz

Fakhar was dismissed for 127. Salman then contributed. Minhas and Nawaz put together a crucial 94-run partnership that brought the team close to victory and simplified the chase.

One of the batsmen in that partnership scored 61 off 31 balls. However, the partnership did not quite seal the game, as Pakistan then lost Minhas and Faheem in quick succession with just two runs needed. This shows that the 94-run stand made the chase easier but did not complete it—the finishing touch still had to come from Shaheen.

The final-over drama and Shaheen's six

With two runs needed, Minhas and Faheem fell in consecutive deliveries, reopening the match. Pakistan still had three wickets in hand, but the game stretched to the final over.

Shaheen Afridi walked in and hit a six in the final over to seal the win. It was a perfect finish and took the match's excitement to its peak. It came from a player who had already made a vital contribution with the ball.

The bowling contribution

Shaheen Afridi was instrumental with the ball as well. He dismissed Kamindu Mendis and Shanaka, checking Sri Lanka's momentum and helping Pakistan fight back.

Haris Rauf picked up two late wickets. He used the short ball effectively and succeeded in breaking Sri Lanka's late-order resistance.

Minhas's leg-spin proved expensive, but he made up for it with his batting. This shows the team had balance—where the bowling had some weak spots, the batting compensated.

Significance of the win and the road ahead

This victory is significant for Pakistan on several counts. Four days earlier, the team had been bowled out for 110. Recovering from that to chase 326 demonstrates the team's capability and confidence.

In the tri-series, this win puts Pakistan in a strong position. The team has shown it has the fighting spirit and the ability to chase any target. The match is also an example of how crucial catches are in cricket—Fakhar's three reprieves and Shaheen's final six together decided the fate of this contest.

For Sri Lanka, the defeat was disappointing, especially after being in a strong position at 41 overs. Losing six wickets in the final nine overs and then failing to defend 326 are both areas to reflect on. Kamindu's 131 went in vain as the team could not win the match.

Overall, the contest was full of ebbs and flows in both batting and bowling. Both teams fought hard, but Pakistan ultimately prevailed. Fakhar's century, Saad Baig's half-century, the Minhas-Nawaz partnership, and Shaheen's final-over six—together they made this victory memorable.