Lahore (The COW News Digital) Pakistan created history by defeating Sri Lanka in the final of the tri-nation ODI series, successfully chasing down a target of 326 runs and equalling the record for the highest successful run chase in an ODI final.
The thrilling encounter, played in Lahore, saw Pakistan achieve the 326-run target, matching India’s historic performance against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final.
India had previously chased down 326 runs against England in the famous final at Lord’s, making Pakistan’s latest achievement equal to the highest successful chase ever recorded in an ODI final.
Pakistan’s remarkable performance also equalled the record for the highest successful run chase in a men’s ODI knockout match.
The victory added another significant milestone to Pakistan’s cricketing history and highlighted the team’s ability to perform under pressure in a major final.
Pakistan’s successful chase against Sri Lanka was also the second-highest target the national side has successfully chased against the same opposition in ODI cricket.
The previous record came during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, when Pakistan successfully chased a massive target of 345 runs against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad.
That match remains one of Pakistan’s memorable performances in World Cup history, and the latest victory further underlines the team’s record-breaking encounters against Sri Lanka.
Apart from the successful run chase, the Lahore final also produced another major batting record.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka collectively scored 656 runs during the match, establishing the highest aggregate score in the history of ODI finals.
The previous record belonged to the 2002 NatWest Series final between India and England, which produced a combined total of 651 runs.
The latest final surpassed that mark by five runs, making the Pakistan-Sri Lanka encounter the highest-scoring ODI final ever recorded.
Furthermore, the combined total of 656 runs ranks as the third-highest aggregate in men’s ODI knockout history.
The remarkable figures demonstrate the batting intensity witnessed during the contest, with both teams contributing to a high-scoring final.
Pakistan’s victory therefore delivered more than just the tri-nation series trophy, as the team also secured a place in several significant ODI record books.
The achievement is another memorable chapter in Pakistan-Sri Lanka cricket history, with the final producing record-breaking performances and an unforgettable contest for cricket fans.
