Kamindu Mendis struck a brilliant maiden century to power Sri Lanka to 325-8 against Pakistan in the final of the ODI tri-series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.
After Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to field, Sri Lanka built a formidable total on a slow-paced surface. Kamindu anchored the innings with a career-best 131 off 128 balls, featuring 12 fours and two sixes.
He was well supported by Pavan Rathnayake, who contributed 77 off 65 deliveries. The pair shared a vital 146-run partnership for the third wicket, which laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's challenging total in the series decider.
Sri Lanka made a steady start through an 87-run opening stand between Kamindu and Avishka Fernando, who scored 38. Salman Agha provided the initial breakthrough for Pakistan, dismissing Fernando and captain Kusal Mendis in quick succession.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen, fought back during the final overs to restrict the tourists. Shaheen, Salman, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah each claimed two wickets to prevent Sri Lanka from pushing further beyond the 325-run mark.
Shaheen dismissed both Kamindu and Dasun Shanaka in the closing stages of the innings. Rauf also proved effective, removing both set batters, Kamindu and Rathnayake, to halt the momentum Sri Lanka had built during their middle-order surge.
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that all-rounder Shadab Khan was ruled out of the final due to a medical issue after being struck by a bouncer in the previous match. Faheem Ashraf replaced him in the playing eleven.
Sri Lanka made one change to their side, bringing in spinner Maheesh Theekshana for Eshan Malinga. Theekshana remained unbeaten on nine at the end of the innings, alongside Asitha Fernando, who finished on seven not out.
Pakistan now face a demanding chase under the lights at the Gaddafi Stadium to secure the tri-series title. The home side will rely on their top-order batters to navigate a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack on a pitch showing signs of wear.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 325-8 (50 overs; Kamindu Mendis 131, Pavan Rathnayake 77, Avishka Fernando 38; Salman Agha 2-44, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-50, Haris Rauf 2-61, Naseem Shah 2-80) vs Pakistan.
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