Mendis century powers Sri Lanka to 325 in tri-series final despite Pakistan's late fightback

Kamindu Mendis scored his maiden ODI century, while Pavan Rathnayake struck 77 to help Sri Lanka post an imposing 325-8 against Pakistan in the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday.

Pakistan's bowlers staged an impressive comeback in the closing overs after Sri Lanka appeared on course for a total in excess of 350, setting the hosts a target of 326 runs to win the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka final.

Kamindu-Rathnayake partnership

After opting to bat, Sri Lanka made a steady start as Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis put together an 86-run opening partnership. Avishka led the early charge, striking boundaries off Pakistan's pace attack, including a six against Naseem Shah in the sixth over.

Pakistan broke the stand in the 18th over when Salman Ali Agha trapped Avishka lbw for 38. Salman struck again shortly afterwards, producing a brilliant caught-and-bowled dismissal to remove Kusal Mendis for eight, leaving Sri Lanka at 109-2.

However, Kamindu continued to anchor the innings, bringing up his half-century off 62 balls before accelerating alongside Pavan Rathnayake.

The pair added a century partnership, taking Sri Lanka past the 200-run mark and putting Pakistan's bowling attack under sustained pressure.

Kamindu brought up his maiden ODI century off 107 balls with an upper-cut boundary off Faheem Ashraf in the 34th over. He eventually scored 131 before Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed him in the 42nd over.

Rathnayake provided excellent support with an impressive 77, bringing up his half-century in the 38th over as Sri Lanka strengthened their position in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka final.

Pakistan's late bowling surge restricts Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka appeared on course for a total beyond 350, but Pakistan's bowlers turned the momentum around in the closing stages of the Pak vs SL final.

Haris Rauf provided the breakthrough by dismissing Rathnayake in the 45th over, with Babar Azam taking a difficult catch. Rauf also removed Dunith Wellalage for three, while Naseem Shah dismissed Janith Liyanage for six and Sahan Arachchige for 15 in quick succession.

Pakistan claimed six wickets in the final 10 overs to restrict Sri Lanka to 325-8 in their allotted 50 overs.

Maheesh Theekshana struck a late six off Naseem, but Pakistan's disciplined death bowling prevented Sri Lanka from capitalising on their strong position.

Pakistan now need 326 runs to win the ODI tri-series final.