President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated Pakistan’s national cricket team after its victory over Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-nation series final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan secured the trophy with a three-wicket win, successfully chasing a target of 326 runs.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the team, praising the players for their performance in the final. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Green Shirts and opener Fakhar Zaman, who played a key role in the successful run chase.
Pakistan faced an early setback after losing two wickets for just 14 runs. Fakhar Zaman helped the team recover with an impressive 127 off 99 balls, hitting 11 fours and six sixes. His century provided the foundation for Pakistan’s pursuit of the target.
Young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig supported Fakhar with 74 runs, and the pair built a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Arafat Minhas then added momentum with an aggressive 61 off 31 deliveries, bringing Pakistan closer to the required total.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the victory with a six in the penultimate over, completing Pakistan’s three-wicket win and securing the tri-series trophy. The result followed a determined recovery by the team after its early losses.
The congratulatory messages from the president, prime minister and PCB chairman highlighted the players’ teamwork, commitment and contributions. Pakistan’s victory has also provided encouragement ahead of its upcoming international cricket commitments.
