Fakhar Zaman and Arafat Minhas lead Pakistan to tri-series glory

Pakistan chased down 326 to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the tri-nation series on Saturday at a packed Gaddafi Stadium, sealing the title with nine balls to spare in what was the joint-highest successful chase in an ODI final. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the captain, finished it in style — a six slapped over midwicket off Dilshan Madushanka in the 49th over — after Hasan Nawaz had levelled the scores with a dab to backward point. Pakistan finished on 327 for seven in 48. 3 overs. For Fakhar Zaman, this was an innings that answered the questions swirling around his place in the side. He had spent much of the first innings off the field after copping a blow while fielding, and came out to open with his team 22 for two inside four overs and the chase already wobbling. His early stay was scratchy.

He was dropped on three by Madushanka at deep third, and again on 69 by Mahesh Theekshana, who put down a return catch and later tipped a six over the rope. But from the wreckage of Pakistan’s top order he built an innings of substance, adding 149 with Saad Baig, who made 74 off 75 in his maiden half-century. Fakhar reached his 20th ODI fifty in the 22nd over, then his 12th ODI century in the 30th, pulling Asitha Fernando in front of square off 84 balls. He was finally bowled by Madushanka for 127 off 99 — 11 fours and six sixes — charging and missing a slog in the 34th over, walking off to a standing ovation from a full house. It was, by common consent, a vintage Fakhar innings on the biggest occasion. If Fakhar held the chase together, Arafat Minhas won it. The all-rounder walked in at 230 for five in the 37th over with Pakistan needing 96 from 78 balls, and played the innings of his young career — 61 off 31 balls, with three fours and four sixes. His check-drive six…