Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain a rampant Sri Lankan batting lineup as the visitors posted a commanding 325-8 in the tri-series final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, setting up a challenging chase for the home side.
The match turned on a spectacular maiden ODI century from Kamindu Mendis, who carved out 131 runs off 128 deliveries in a performance that left Pakistan’s attack searching for answers. His innings, studded with 12 boundaries and two sixes, anchored Sri Lanka’s innings and put the Green Shirts firmly on the back foot.
After winning the toss and electing to field—breaking Sri Lanka’s four-match streak of batting second—Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi watched his decision backfire as the visitors built momentum from the opening over.
Kamindu and opener Avishka Fernando established a solid foundation with an 87-run partnership before Fernando fell for 38, trapped leg-before by Salman Ali Agha. When Agha struck again to dismiss Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis for just eight, Pakistan briefly sensed an opening at 109-2.
But what followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Kamindu combined forces with Pavan Rathnayake in a devastating 146-run stand for the third wicket that effectively decided the match’s momentum. Rathnayake, who had already notched two centuries in the series, played the perfect supporting role with a blistering 77 off 65 balls, including eight fours.
The partnership finally broke in the 42nd over when Haris Rauf dismissed Kamindu, who had reached three figures off 107 deliveries. Rauf then removed Rathnayake to give Pakistan hope, but by then Sri Lanka had already reached 255-3.
Pakistan’s bowlers fought back in the death overs, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah claiming late wickets to prevent Sri Lanka from crossing 350. Dasun Shanaka’s quickfire 17 off nine balls added late impetus before Shaheen ended his cameo. Naseem accounted for Janith Liyanage and Sahan Arachchige as Sri Lanka lost five wickets in the final overs.
Despite the late fightback, the damage was done. Rauf and Naseem proved expensive, conceding 61 and 80 runs respectively in their full quotas, while Shaheen, Naseem, Agha, and Rauf each claimed two wickets.
Pakistan were forced to make one change to their lineup after all-rounder Shadab Khan was ruled out due to a medical issue following a bouncer strike in the previous match against Sri Lanka. Faheem Ashraf came in as his replacement, with Pakistan opting for a four-pacer attack.
Sri Lanka made their own adjustment, bringing in spinner Maheesh Theekshana for Eshan Malinga.
Now Pakistan face a monumental task: chase down 326 runs at their home ground to claim the tri-series title. With the pressure mounting and a formidable target on the board, the Green Shirts will need their batting lineup to fire on all cylinders if they hope to lift the trophy in front of their home crowd.
