Fakhar Zaman's blazing century and a Shaheen Afridi six sealed a three-wicket win in a 326-run chase at a packed Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan won the tri-series final in Lahore, beating Sri Lanka by three wickets in the penultimate over of a chase that kept a packed Gaddafi Stadium on its feet under the lights.
Chasing 326, Fakhar Zaman set the tone with a ferocious 127 from 99 balls. The opener, who starred in Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy final win, attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers from the outset and gave the innings its momentum. His dismissal left plenty still to be done, and the pressure shifted to the less experienced batters.
They responded superbly. Arafat Minhas, 21, and Hasan Nawaz, 24, batted with the calm of veterans and added 94 together, steadying the chase and pulling the target within reach. Minhas and Faheem Ashraf both fell with just two runs needed, which briefly stirred the nerves around the ground.
Shaheen Afridi ended the tension with a big hit over the ropes to finish the game. Kamindu Mendis had made a brilliant 131 for Sri Lanka, but it was not enough. A competitive, meaningful tournament got the final it deserved, and Pakistan lifted the trophy at home.
