Fakhar fires Pakistan to glory

November 2, 2026

What a night at Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan chased down 326 against Sri Lanka, won by three wickets and lifted the tri-nation trophy in front of a loud home crowd. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi all sent their congratulations. Naqvi’s message was short and fair: “Well done, Green Shirts! Well done, Fakhar Zaman.”

The start was shaky. Pakistan lost two wickets for just 14 runs, and many fans feared the worst. This is where the team showed its character. Instead of panicking, the batters stayed calm and built the chase step by step.

Fakhar Zaman was the hero. His 127 off 99 balls, with 11 fours and six sixes, was the innings of a true match winner. He did not just score runs. He gave the whole team belief.

Young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig deserves equal praise. His 74 and a 149-run stand with Fakhar turned the game around. Arafat Minhas then hit an explosive 61 off only 31 balls, which took the pressure off. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi finished the job with a big six in the penultimate over, and the stadium erupted.

This win was about teamwork. Senior players led, young players stepped up, and everyone played their part. That is the kind of cricket Pakistan fans want to see. But now comes the harder part. Pakistan cricket has often shown brilliance one week and disappointment the next. One trophy does not make a great team. Great teams win again and again, in good conditions and bad, at home and away.

The challenge is clear. Fakhar must keep scoring. Saad and Arafat must show that their performances were not a one-off. The bowlers and fielders must support the batters every single match. The captain must keep the group united and hungry. The leadership has rightly asked the team to keep its winning momentum going. Fans will back the side fully, but they also want steady results.