Fakhar Zaman breaks silence as Pakistan equal India’s historic 2002 Lord’s record

Fakhar Zaman’s Century Powers Pakistan to Historic ODI Final Chase

Fakhar Zaman chose the biggest stage of the tri-series to end his quiet run with the bat, producing a commanding century as Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s 326-run target in the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. His 127 from 99 deliveries helped the hosts reach 331 for seven in 48.3 overs, sealing a three-wicket victory with nine balls remaining and securing the trophy.

The result was more than a dramatic home win. Pakistan matched the joint-highest successful run chase in an ODI final: India’s pursuit of 326 against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s. Zaman’s innings, backed by a crucial contribution from young batter Saad Baig, turned an early setback into a memorable chase.

“I Was Just Waiting for That Moment”

Zaman had gone four matches without a substantial score before the final, but he said he had continued to trust his preparation rather than make dramatic changes. After receiving the Player of the Match award, the opener explained that experience had taught him to remain patient and wait for conditions to click.

“I’ve played enough cricket to know that when it’s my day and the ball starts coming nicely off my bat, I’ll score big,” Zaman said. “I was just waiting for that moment. I didn’t do anything particularly different from the way I approached the previous four matches.”

His comments offer a useful reminder of how unpredictable cricket can be. A batter may be training consistently and feel well prepared, yet still struggle to convert starts into runs. Zaman said he had prepared for the final just as he had for earlier games, but this time his effort translated into a match-defining score.

He also acknowledged that the beginning of his innings was not entirely comfortable. Rather than forcing the pace immediately, he worked through the difficult period and grew into the contest. That patience proved important after Pakistan lost Babar Azam for a five-ball duck, giving Sri Lanka an early opening in the chase.

Baig’s Breakthrough Innings Settles Pakistan

After Babar’s dismissal, Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka struck again during the powerplay, increasing the pressure on the hosts. Zaman was joined by Saad Baig, and the pair rebuilt Pakistan’s innings with a 149-run partnership that brought the chase back under control.

Baig made 74 from 75 balls, registering his maiden ODI half-century. His scoring rate allowed Zaman time to find his rhythm without taking unnecessary risks. Zaman praised the young batter’s positive approach, saying Baig’s early fluency helped him settle at the other end.

“When I was struggling at that stage, he came in and scored quite quickly. That allowed me to relax and take my time,” Zaman said. He added that if both batters had started cautiously, he might have felt compelled to attack sooner—a risk that could have cost Pakistan another wicket.

Zaman went further in his assessment, describing Baig’s contribution as the best innings of the match. The praise underlined how the chase was built on more than one standout performance: Zaman supplied the defining century, while Baig’s composure gave Pakistan the platform to pursue a demanding target.

Sri Lanka Post 325 After Mendis-Rathnayake Stand

Earlier, Sri Lanka had put Pakistan under pressure by compiling 325 for eight. Kamindu Mendis led the visitors’ effort with 131 from 128 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake added 77. Their third-wicket partnership produced 146 runs and gave Sri Lanka a strong foundation for a potentially match-winning total.

Pakistan’s bowlers managed to limit the damage in the closing overs. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two wickets for 50 runs as the hosts looked to prevent Sri Lanka from pushing the score even higher. Even so, a target of 326 demanded a substantial and sustained batting effort—particularly after Pakistan’s early loss of Babar.

The final’s changing momentum made the contest compelling. Sri Lanka’s middle-order partnership established the challenge; Pakistan’s early batting setback appeared to strengthen the visitors’ position; and the Zaman-Baig stand shifted the balance back towards the hosts. The chase ultimately required both calculated risk and steady decision-making.

Pakistan Match India’s 2002 Lord’s Chase

Pakistan’s successful pursuit equalled India’s famous 326-run chase against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s. India won that match by two wickets, and the result became one of the most celebrated finishes in ODI history. Pakistan’s three-wicket victory in Lahore now joins that achievement as the joint-highest successful chase in an ODI final.

The milestone adds historical significance to a win that was already important for the team. Pakistan claimed their first ODI tri-series title since 2008, when they beat India in the Kitply Cup final in Bangladesh. The triumph also offered a measure of redemption after Pakistan lost the 2025 home tri-series final to New Zealand.

For Zaman, scoring heavily in a final carried particular satisfaction. He said performances across a tournament are ultimately aimed at winning the trophy, making runs in the deciding match especially rewarding. His innings delivered precisely when Pakistan needed it most, turning an imposing target into a successful chase.

What the Result Means for Pakistan

The final may also offer encouraging signs beyond the trophy. Zaman’s return to form provides Pakistan with an experienced top-order batter capable of anchoring a chase, while Baig’s maiden ODI half-century demonstrated the value of emerging players stepping up under pressure. Their partnership showed how a senior batter’s patience and a younger player’s positive intent can complement one another.

Any prediction about Pakistan’s future results will depend on whether the team can carry this balance into its next contests. One final cannot guarantee continued success, but the performance offered a clear template: recover calmly from early wickets, build partnerships, and preserve enough wickets for the closing overs.

For now, Pakistan can celebrate a landmark win in front of their home crowd. Zaman’s 127 was the headline act, but the victory was shaped by Baig’s support, the bowlers’ late effort and a composed response to pressure. Together, those contributions produced a trophy, a record-equalling chase and one of the most memorable ODI finals played in Lahore.