In the third and final ODI played in Rawalpindi, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets with 32 balls remaining, securing a 3-0 clean sweep in the three-match series. Batting first, the Sri Lankan team was bowled out for just 211 runs in 45.2 overs. In reply, Pakistan easily chased down the target, losing four wickets in 44.4 overs.
Sports News: In the third and final ODI match played in Rawalpindi, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to clinch the three-match ODI series 3-0. The host team registered this win with 32 balls to spare, clearly demonstrating their dominance. Despite a good start, the Sri Lankan team couldn't maintain their momentum and was bowled out for only 211 runs in 45.2 overs. In response, Pakistan achieved the target by losing four wickets in 44.4 overs.
In the decisive match of the series, three Pakistani players—Mohammad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan—played crucial roles in the team's victory with their outstanding performances. From bowling to batting, Pakistan dominated in every department of the game.
Pakistani Bowling Undermines Sri Lanka's Solid Start
Batting first, Sri Lanka got off to a good start. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishra laid a b foundation, adding 55 runs for the first wicket. Both batsmen looked comfortable in the powerplay and easily weathered the initial efforts of the Pakistani bowlers. However, the match quickly turned. Haris Rauf bowled Nissanka to give Pakistan their first breakthrough. Soon after, Mohammad Wasim claimed Mishra as his victim. Following this double blow, Sri Lanka's run rate slowed down, and the batsmen came under pressure.
Captain Kusal Mendis tried to steady the innings with 34 runs, but Wasim bowled him as well, delivering a major blow to Sri Lanka. In the middle order, Kamindu Mendis (10), Janith Liyanage (4), and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48) failed to settle. Samarawickrama, in particular, showed responsibility in his innings but received no support from the other end.
Due to a continuous fall of wickets, the Sri Lankan team was restricted to 211 runs. Mohammad Wasim was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, taking 3 wickets for 47 runs in 10 overs. Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram claimed two wickets each, while Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf picked up one success apiece.
Fakhar Zaman Provides Quick Start, Builds Crucial Partnership with Babar
Chasing a target of 212 runs, Pakistan had a poor start. Haseebullah Khan was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana without scoring. However, Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam then steadied the innings, forming an important 81-run partnership for the second wicket. Fakhar scored 55 runs off just 45 balls, including 8 fours. This half-century proved crucial in helping the team recover from the early setback.
Fakhar, who was in brilliant form, was dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay. Just as Pakistan's score crossed 100, Vandersay also bowled Babar Azam, giving Sri Lanka a chance to bounce back. With four wickets down for 115 runs, Sri Lanka could have made a comeback, but from there, Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat played responsibly to steady the team. Both batsmen built an unbroken 100-run partnership, completely extinguishing any hopes of a Sri Lankan comeback.
Rizwan scored an unbeaten 61 runs off 92 balls, anchoring one end throughout. His innings showcased both patience and class. On the other hand, Hussain Talat scored an unbeaten 42 runs off 57 balls and sealed the match with a winning boundary. For Sri Lanka, Vandersay claimed three wickets, and Theekshana got one success.
