Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka in Lahore to win ODI tri series title

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka on Saturday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to win the One-Day International tri-nation series title. According to Dawn, Outlook India, and Geo News, Pakistan successfully chased down a target of 326 runs. Al Jazeera reported that the 21-year-old all-rounder Arafat Minhas joined Hasan Nawaz at the crease with Pakistan at five wickets down and needing 125 runs from 79 balls. Minhas had gone wicketless during the Sri Lanka innings but helped rebuild the run chase under floodlights in front of a home crowd. [1][3][4][5]

The victory was supported by key individual batting contributions across the order. Dawn, Outlook India, and Geo News all reported that Fakhar Zaman scored a century to lead the top order during the run chase. Geo News added that Minhas and Baig also scored half-centuries to guide the team to victory, while Cricinfo reported that Minhas turned the match around with a late cameo. [2][3][4][5]

Minhas is a left-handed batsman who bowls left-arm orthodox spin, and he plays for the Pakistan national team and Multan Sultans. He began his domestic career with Southern Punjab, debuting in List A cricket during the 2022-23 Pakistan Cup. Before joining the senior national side, Minhas was named the Player of the Tournament in the 2021-22 National Under-19 Championship and featured for the Pakistan Under-19 team at the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup. He also joined the Karachi Kings franchise ahead of the 2024 Pakistan Super League season. [6][8]

The triumph in Lahore follows a strong tournament run for the host nation. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Pakistan defeated England by 87 runs in the opening tri-series match in Rawalpindi, where Minhas scored 59 runs and took six wickets for 40 runs. Pakistan later secured their place in the final by beating England by one wicket in Lahore following a record unbroken last-wicket partnership between Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf. [10][11]