LAHORE: Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs against Pakistan in the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, setting the hosts a target of 326 runs to claim the title.
Put in to bat, Sri Lanka got off to a promising start as openers Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis added 87 runs for the first wicket.
The opening stand was broken when Salman Ali Agha trapped Fernando lbw for 38 off 49 balls, featuring three fours and a six.
Captain Kusal Mendis joined Kamindu at the crease but could not make a significant contribution, falling to Salman for eight after being caught and bowled. Sri Lanka were 109-2 in 21.3 overs.
Kamindu, meanwhile, continued his impressive batting display and brought up his sixth ODI half-century before joining Pavan Rathnayake in a crucial partnership.
The duo took the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers, putting together 146 runs for the third wicket and pushing their team beyond the 200-run mark.
Kamindu reached his maiden ODI century, producing a brilliant knock of 131 from 128 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi eventually ended the partnership by trapping Kamindu lbw.
Shaheen followed up with another breakthrough, removing Dasun Shanaka for 17 off just nine deliveries, including two fours and a six, as Sri Lanka slipped to 279-4 in 43.2 overs.
Haris Rauf then dismissed the dangerous Rathnayake, whose 77-run innings came off 65 balls and included eight boundaries.
Naseem Shah added to Pakistan’s tally by sending Janith Liyanage back to the pavilion for six, while Sahan Arachchige contributed 15 runs before becoming Naseem’s second victim.
Haris also claimed his second wicket by dismissing Dunith Wellalage for three, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 305-7 in 47.4 overs.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Sri Lanka managed to add valuable runs towards the end of their innings.
Asitha Fernando remained unbeaten on six, while Maheesh Theekshana scored nine not out, helping the visitors finish at 325-8 after 50 overs.
Pakistan now require 326 runs to lift the ODI tri-series trophy.
