Fakhar Zaman delivered a brilliant performance in the tri-series final and equalled a major Pakistani record. The left-handed opener scored a fine century against Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and matched the long-standing mark set by batting great Saeed Anwar.
Pakistan chased a tough target of 326 runs in the summit clash. Fakhar opened the innings and showed his class under pressure. He reached his twelfth ODI century off just 84 deliveries. The knock was full of intent and timing.
He finished with 127 runs off 99 balls. The innings included 11 fours and six sixes. Fakhar was finally dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka in the 34th over. Even after his departure the innings had already given Pakistan a strong platform.
This was Fakhar’s second century in an ODI tournament final. His first came against India in the ICC Champions Trophy final in 2017 at The Oval. By scoring another hundred in a final he equalled Saeed Anwar’s record. Anwar had scored two centuries in ODI tournament finals for Pakistan. One came against Sri Lanka in the 1993 Wills Trophy final and the other against India in the Silver Jubilee Independence Cup in 1998.
The 127-run knock also pushed Fakhar past the 4000-run mark in ODI cricket. He became only the 16th Pakistani batter to reach that milestone. He now stands alongside names such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Javed Miandad, Younis Khan and Saeed Anwar.
Fakhar has scored 4019 runs in 96 ODI innings. His average stands at 44.65 and his strike rate is 93.57. Apart from 12 centuries he also has 19 half-centuries in the format. The innings in Lahore once again proved his ability to perform in high-pressure matches.
Fans and experts praised the knock for its fluency and aggressive approach. The left-hander continues to remain a key figure in Pakistan’s limited-overs setup. His latest century adds another special chapter to his career and places him among the elite Pakistani openers in tournament finals.
