Fakhar’s ton sink Sri Lanka in tri-series final

Fakhar Zaman smashed a blistering century as Pakistan overcame a top-order collapse to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets and win the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Fakhar’s 127, backed by half-centuries from Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas, helped Pakistan chase down Sri Lanka’s 326-run target with three wickets to spare in 48.3 overs.

Pakistan made a disastrous start when Dilshan Madushanka dismissed Maaz Sadaqat for five and Babar Azam for a duck in successive overs, leaving the hosts at 14-2.

Fakhar and 19-year-old wicketkeeper Saad then revived the chase with a 149-run partnership for the third wicket.

Baig struck 74 off 75 balls, including 11 boundaries, before Maheesh Theekshana caught him off his own bowling in the 27th over.

Fakhar continued the recovery with Salman Ali Agha, adding 57 for the fourth wicket and reaching his 12th ODI century.

Madushanka eventually bowled Fakhar in the 34th over, ending an innings of 127 from 99 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and six sixes.

Agha made 17 before falling two overs later, leaving Pakistan at 230-5 and the final finely poised.