Fakhar Zaman Ends ODI Century Drought With 127
Pakistan’s seasoned opener Fakhar Zaman broke a nearly three-year century drought by scoring an impressive 127 runs against Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31, 2026. This commanding knock played a crucial role in Pakistan’s chase of a challenging target of 326 runs.
Resurgence in Crucial Final
After Pakistan slipped to two early wickets for just 14 runs, Fakhar Zaman stepped up to stabilize the innings. His aggressive batting, composed of 11 boundaries and six sixes off 99 balls, shifted the momentum back to the hosts. Alongside wicketkeeper-batsman Saad Baig, who scored 74 runs, Fakhar formed a 149-run partnership that injected hope into Pakistan’s pursuit.
Breaking a Long Dry Spell and Milestones
Before this innings, Fakhar’s last ODI century was nearly three years ago during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Bengaluru, where he remained unbeaten on 126 against New Zealand. Despite exhibiting flashes of talent in subsequent matches, Fakhar had gone 15 ODI innings without crossing the hundred-run mark, managing only three half-centuries in that span. This century elevates him to fourth place on Pakistan’s all-time ODI century-makers list, behind Babar Azam and Saeed Anwar (tied at 20 centuries each) and Mohammad Yousuf (15). Additionally, Fakhar achieved the landmark of 4,000 ODI runs in just 96 innings, ranking joint 10th fastest globally alongside legends Gordon Greenidge and Kane Williamson.
Why This Matters for Pakistan Cricket Fans
Fakhar Zaman’s return to form comes at a vital time for Pakistan’s ODI squad, which has faced challenges finding consistent top-order performances. His century in a crucial final demonstrates his value and experience, offering reassurance about Pakistan’s batting depth. For fans, this innings could be a sign of Pakistan’s enhanced competitiveness ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
