Pakistan clinched the ODI tri-series title with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, ending an 18-year wait for the championship.

Chasing a challenging target of 326, Pakistan reached 331 for seven in 48.3 overs, with nine balls to spare, thanks to a magnificent century from opener Fakhar Zaman and crucial contributions from the lower middle order.

Fakhar led Pakistan’s successful chase with a superb 127 off 99 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and six sixes.

It was his 12th ODI century and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Pakistan suffered an early setback as Maaz Sadaqat departed for five before former captain Babar Azam was dismissed for a five-ball duck.

However, Fakhar and young batter Saad Baig steadied the innings with a vital 149-run partnership.

Saad contributed 74 off 75 balls, registering his maiden ODI half-century for Pakistan.

Their partnership brought the hosts back into contention before Saad was dismissed.

Fakhar continued his aggressive batting and reached his century off 84 balls. He eventually fell for 127 in the 34th over, with Pakistan at 230 for five.

Salman Ali Agha also departed soon afterwards, leaving the hosts needing 96 runs from 77 deliveries.

With the pressure mounting, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz produced a decisive 94-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Minhas smashed 61 off just 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes, while Hasan remained unbeaten on 37 off 45 deliveries.

Minhas and Faheem Ashraf fell in quick succession with Pakistan needing just two runs. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi then sealed the victory in style, hitting a six to take Pakistan to the title.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs after being sent in to bat.

Kamindu Mendis was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant 131 off 128 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes. It was his maiden ODI century.

Pavan Rathnayake provided excellent support with 77 off 65 deliveries as the pair added 146 runs for the third wicket. Avishka Fernando also contributed 38.

Pakistan’s bowlers fought back in the closing stages, taking six wickets in the final 10 overs to restrict Sri Lanka to 325.

Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah claimed two wickets each.

The victory marked Pakistan’s first ODI tri-series title since 2008.

Their successful chase of 326 also equalled the highest successful run chase in an ODI final.

Arafat Minhas was named Player of the Series for his impressive all-round performances throughout the tournament.

The tri-series featured hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England, with Pakistan overcoming Sri Lanka in the final to lift the trophy.