23 years later: Pakistan recreates India’s Lord’s magic with a record-breaking chase

Pakistan equaled India’s famous record against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s. (Image credit: Agencies) Pakistan produced a memorable chase to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final of the one-day international tri-series in Lahore on Saturday. Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a brilliant century as the hosts chased down a target of 326 with nine balls to spare.Pakistan finished on 331 for seven in 48.3 overs, registering their joint-most successful run chase in an ODI final.Pakistan equaled India’s famous record against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s.The win also ended Pakistan’s long wait for an ODI tri-series title. The last time they won one was in 2008 when they beat India in the final of the Kitply Cup in Bangladesh.

Pakistan equaled India’s famous record of 2002

Pakistan’s successful chase of 326 is now on par with India’s famous run against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final.Chasing England’s target of 326 at Lord’s, India won the final by two wickets in one of the most memorable matches in their ODI history.Mohammad Kaif played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 87 while Yuvraj Singh scored 69. The two shared a crucial partnership after India lost five wickets with the team still needing plenty of runs.Zaheer Khan and Kaif eventually took India home in a thrilling finish, needing two runs off the last five balls. India completed the chase with three balls to spare.More than two decades later, Pakistan matched that feat with another successful chase of 326 in the ODI final.

Zaman leads Pakistan’s chase with a century

Pakistan didn’t get off to the best start to their chase. Dilshan Madushanka struck twice in the power over, including the important wicket of Babar Azam, who went for a five-ball duck.However, Fakhar Zaman and Saad Baig brought Pakistan back into the contest with a 149-run partnership.Baig scored 74 off 75 balls and registered his maiden ODI half-century before Maheesh Theekshana ended his innings.Zaman continued the attack and brought up his 12th ODI century. He scored 127 off just 99 balls to keep Pakistan on track.The left-hander also shared a quick 57-run stand with Salman Agha, who contributed 17, before being dismissed by Madushanka.Pakistan were reduced to 230 for five but Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz ensured there was no late collapse.

Minhas, Nawazi, finish the job

With the match still in the balance, Minhas and Nawaz joined hands to put together a match winning 94-run stand.Minhas scored a valuable half-century to provide the closing pressure Pakistan needed after Zaman’s dismissal.The hosts eventually reached 331 for seven in 48.3 overs to complete a memorable victory in front of the home crowd.Kamindu Mendis, Rathnayake power Sri Lanka to 325Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a strong total of 325 for eight after being asked to bat first.Kamindu Mendis was the star of their innings, scoring 131 off 128 balls. Pavan Rathnayake also played an important role with a fluent 77.The two shared a 146-run partnership off 119 deliveries to put Sri Lanka in a strong position.Kamindu brought up his maiden ODI century, hitting 12 fours and two sixes during his impressive knock.Sri Lanka got off to a positive start with Aishka Fernando and Kamindu adding 51 runs in the powerplay. Fernando’s dismissal in the 18th over ended the opening partnership.Pakistan captain Kusal Mendis also fell soon after, leaving Sri Lanka at 109 for two.

Pakistan’s bowlers are fighting for the death

Just when it looked like Sri Lanka would have a total of more than 340, Pakistan’s bowlers pulled things back in the final overs.Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Dasun Shanaka and Rathnayake in two overs to build pressure on the visitors. Afridi finished with two wickets for 50 runs.Sahan Arachchige added a quick 15 off 12 balls before being dismissed by Naseem Shah.Pakistan’s late fightback restricted Sri Lanka to 325 for eight, which eventually proved insufficient against Zaman’s century and contributions from Minhas and Nawaz.

Pakistan ended their long wait for a tri-series title

The win gave Pakistan their first ODI tri-series title since 2008.They also overcame their defeat to New Zealand in the final of the 2025 home tri-series.This time, Pakistan held their nerve in a high-scoring final and staged a historic chase for the trophy.