Sri Lanka set Pakistan a target of 326 runs to win the final of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl first. Sri Lanka posted 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs, powered by a brilliant maiden ODI century from Kamindu Mendis, who scored 131 runs. Pavan Rathnayake also made a significant contribution with 77 runs, while Avishka Fernando added 38.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha picked up two wickets each. Pakistan have suffered only one defeat in the tournament, which came against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have also recorded three victories, although they lost their most recent match against England. Pakistan now need 326 runs to claim the tri-series title.
Sri Lanka batter Kamindu Mendis scored his maiden ODI century against Pakistan, putting his team in a strong position as Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to take wickets. Mendis reached the milestone in style, bringing up his hundred with a boundary as Sri Lanka reached 280 for four in 43 overs.
Earlier Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. Salman Ali Agha claimed both wickets to fall, dismissing Oshada Fernando for 38 and Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis for eight.
