Pakistan have won their first ODI tri-series since 2008 after defeating Sri Lanka by three wickets in the final.

Kamindu Mendis struck 131 before a lower-order collapse saw Sri Lanka set a total of just 325-8, which Pakistan chased down with nine balls to spare after Fakhar Zaman's century.

While Avishka Fernando (38) and Kusal Mendis (8) failed to get going, Kamindu Mendis and in-form Pavan Rathnayake (77) put together a 146-run partnership to give Sri Lanka licence to go big in the final 10 overs.

However, Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-50), Naseem Shah (2-80) and Haris Rauf (2-60) all took two wickets each in the final powerplay to give the hosts some much-needed momentum.

And though Dilshan Madushanka (3-63) dismissed Maaz Sadaqat (5) and Babar Azam (0) inside four overs, Zaman (127) and Saad Baig (74) steadied the ship to set up a tense finish.

Madushanka came back on to remove Zaman, but Arafat Minhas smashed 61 off 31 before captain Afridi clinched victory with a six.

𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐃𝐈 𝐓𝐑𝐈-𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒  Victorious Pakistan side lifts the trophy  #PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/g3CF1BDyU5

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2026

Pakistan build confidence before World Cup

Pakistan last won an ODI tri-series in 2008, defeating India in the final of the Kitply Cup in Bangladesh, and they achieved victory in impressive fashion.

Their chase of 326 is the joint-highest successful chase in men's ODI finals, equalling India's record against England in the 2002 NatWest final – a tri-series which also featured Sri Lanka.

Zaman laid much of the groundwork for Pakistan's chase, but after going nine overs without a boundary at one point, Arafat's knock came at just the right time.

Arafat's match-winning innings earned him the player of the series award, though Sri Lanka's Rathnayake could have easily won the honour.

Rathnayake recorded four scores of 70+ across his five innings in the tournament, including two centuries against England.

Nevertheless, this tri-series victory will give Pakistan plenty of confidence ahead of next year's ODI World Cup.