Fakhar struck a brilliant 127 off 99 balls to anchor Pakistan's chase, helping his side overcome a middle-order wobble and lift the silverware on home soil.

The left-handed opener entered the final after a difficult run in the tournament, having managed just 31 runs in his first four matches. However, he once again proved his reliability on the grandest stage, delivering when his team needed him most.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi praised the team's resilience and the performance of his senior batter after the match. He highlighted how the bowling unit made a crucial comeback in the latter stages of the innings to restrict Sri Lanka.

Shaheen also commended the contributions of the younger members of the squad throughout the campaign. Players like Saad Baig, Arafat Minhas, and Hasan Nawaz stepped up when required, providing a positive outlook for the future of Pakistan cricket.

Fakhar acknowledged that he never changed his preparation despite his early tournament struggles, maintaining his usual routine while waiting for his form to click. He admitted that he had simply trusted his natural instincts and waited for the right day.

Crucial to the successful chase was a vital partnership involving Saad, whose brisk knock of 74 eased the pressure on Fakhar during a tricky phase of the innings. Fakhar noted that Saad's quick scoring allowed him to settle down and build his own innings effectively.

The victory holds immense significance for Pakistan cricket, bringing an end to a long drought in multi-nation ODI tournaments. Their previous triumph in an ODI tri-series format dated back to 2008, when they defeated India in the Kitply Cup final in Bangladesh.

Additionally, the win broke a sequence of disappointments in ODI finals on home soil, where Pakistan had previously suffered three consecutive defeats. It also offered redemption following their runner-up finish in the home tri-series held in 2025.

Fakhar has built a formidable reputation for performing in decisive matches, stretching back to his memorable century against arch-rivals India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He also played a starring role in a T20I tri-series final against Australia.

In that encounter against Australia, chasing a target of 184 after losing two early wickets in the first over, Fakhar smashed 91 runs off just 46 deliveries to secure the trophy. His career statistics illustrate a player who thrives under extreme pressure.

Reflecting on his affinity for big matches, Fakhar explained that personal milestones are far more satisfying when they directly contribute to winning team trophies. He emphasized that the primary motivation for any professional athlete is to secure silverware.

Sri Lanka fought hard throughout the final and troubled the hosts with disciplined bowling before Pakistan's experienced core took control. The visitors had earlier built a competitive total through aggressive batting in the middle overs.

Shaheen's strategic bowling changes in the death overs restricted the opposition's scoring rate, preventing a potentially larger target. That disciplined bowling effort laid the platform for Fakhar and Saad to execute the chase with calculated aggression.

The triumph provides Pakistan with much-needed momentum and confidence in the 50-over format as they look toward future international assignments. Consistency has been a primary goal for the team management, and a series victory against quality opposition serves as a major boost.

For Sri Lanka, the defeat marks a disappointing end to an otherwise promising tri-series campaign where they displayed strong form in the group stages. They will look to regroup ahead of their upcoming bilateral fixtures.

As the celebrations conclude, the Pakistan squad will take satisfaction from a complete team performance that answered several questions regarding their depth and temperament. The emergence of reliable youngsters alongside experienced campaigners provides a balanced foundation.

England complete the three-team lineup for the series and held their first training session at the Pindi venue on Saturday. All three captains gathered ahead of the opening clash to pose with the official tournament trophy.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi addressed the media on Saturday, outlining his squad's primary objectives. He emphasized that building a cohesive and competitive unit for the 2027 World Cup remains the team's foremost priority.

"Our focus is on the World Cup," Shaheen told reporters during his pre-match interaction. "We have been trying to build the team since the previous series, keeping the conditions in South Africa in mind."

The Pakistan skipper declined to comment on matters related to Test cricket. Instead, he shifted his attention to the limited-overs format and praised his team's recent performances during the T20 international series against Sri Lanka.

Shaheen highlighted the unity and determination within the squad as positive indicators moving forward. He stated that the hosts are eager to adopt an aggressive brand of cricket throughout the tri-series.

The fast bowler offered strong backing to senior batsman Babar Azam, describing him as the backbone of the batting lineup. Shaheen insisted that the experienced campaigner is under no pressure heading into the matches.

Babar, who previously led Pakistan as captain for five years, continues to serve as a vital mentor for younger players. Shaheen noted that the former skipper has also been working diligently on his form in first-class fixtures.

In addition to Babar, the Pakistan captain praised the recent form of Salman Ali Agha. He drew attention to Salman's impressive triple century in domestic first-class cricket as evidence of his readiness.

Shaheen expressed confidence in his own all-round capabilities, stating his desire to contribute meaningfully with the bat, ball, and in the field. He also highlighted the depth of Pakistan's batting resources.

The skipper asserted that the team possesses an experienced middle order capable of chasing down demanding targets such as 400 runs. He added that younger members of the squad will be integrated gradually.

Saim Ayub's bowling ability was singled out by the captain as a particularly valuable asset for the team in the ODI format. Shaheen acknowledged that while Pakistan have won several recent series, they remain keen to achieve greater consistency.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis expressed an optimistic outlook ahead of what promises to be a challenging campaign. He noted that his side has established clear objectives with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.

"We have plans in place towards the World Cup and I hope my charges will show some good progress," Mendis said. Sri Lanka experienced a difficult start against Pakistan in Rawalpindi during the recent T20I matches.

After struggling in the opening two encounters of that series, Sri Lanka rebounded impressively to secure an eight-wicket victory in the third match. Mendis will be hoping his team can carry that late momentum into the upcoming tri-series.

England captain Harry Brook anticipates a demanding test against two high-caliber opponents. Brook stressed that his players are eager to develop into a side capable of securing victories across all playing conditions.

"The tri-series will be a contest between very good teams," Brook remarked. The visiting skipper also noted that competing in Pakistani conditions presents unique challenges for touring sides.

Brook is already well-acquainted with local conditions, having represented the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League at the age of 22. He credits that franchise experience with boosting his confidence in international cricket.

"I know the conditions in Pakistan and the players here," Brook said. "Playing in the PSL helped me a lot in international cricket."

The English captain outlined his team's ambition to become a unit capable of chasing any target set before them. At the same time, he acknowledged that their current ODI squad lacks extensive experience.

Brook pointed out that only a handful of players within the current England setup have accumulated 50 appearances in the format. The 27-year-old also advocated for batting-friendly pitches during the tournament.

"I enjoy surfaces that allow high scores and believe spectators want to see boundaries and sixes," Brook said. He added that maximizing playing opportunities prior to the World Cup will significantly aid England's preparations.

The tri-series is structured to begin in Rawalpindi before shifting fixtures to Lahore. The tournament will culminate with the grand final scheduled for October 31 at the historic Gaddafi Stadium.