Pakistani all-rounder Arafat Minhas has said he enjoyed the pressure of playing in the ODI tri-series final and remained composed to help his team secure victory. Speaking to the media after being named Player of the Series, Arafat said he performed according to the team’s requirements and relished the challenge despite the pressure.
He added that he and Hassan Nawaz had specifically targeted the opposition bowlers during their partnership, expressing happiness over winning the final. Arafat also reaffirmed his role as an all-rounder. In the final, Arafat scored an explosive 61 off just 31 balls and bowled 10 overs, conceding 64 runs without taking a wicket.
Across five innings in the five-match series, he scored 149 runs and claimed nine wickets, earning the Player of the Series award for his all-round performance. It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets to win the tri-nation ODI series final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, completing a thrilling chase of 326 runs in the 49th over.
Chasing a challenging target of 326, Pakistan reached the finish line with three wickets in hand, thanks to outstanding batting performances from Fakhar Zaman, Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas. Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a brilliant 127 off 99 balls, smashing 11 fours and six sixes. The century was the 12th of his ODI career and proved crucial in Pakistan’s successful run chase.
Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig also played a vital role, scoring 74 runs, while all-rounder Arafat Minhas provided late momentum with an aggressive 61 off just 31 balls. Hassan Nawaz contributed 37 runs, while former captain Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck.
For Sri Lanka, Madushanka picked up three wickets, while Fernando claimed two. Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage took one wicket each. Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs after Pakistan elected to bowl first. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with a magnificent 131, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 77 runs. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two wickets apiece.
