Pakistan delivered a composed performance to secure a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI in Rawalpindi, sealing a commanding 3-0 series whitewash. The host nation’s victory was set up by a disciplined bowling effort, led by Mohammad Wasim, who helped restrict the visitors to a modest total of 211 runs. Despite a valiant fightback by the Sri Lankan spinners in the middle overs, a crucial half-century from opener Fakhar Zaman and a calm, unbeaten knock from Mohammad Rizwan ensured Pakistan chased the target comfortably. The win came with 5.2 overs to spare, capping a successful series for the home side and bringing Sri Lanka’s stuttering tour to an end.
PAK vs SL, 3rd ODI: Mohammad Wasim and Faisal Akram lead Pakistan’s disciplined bowling effort
Sri Lanka‘s innings started with aggressive intent, appearing to target a score exceeding 300 runs as openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara quickly raced to a 50-run partnership inside the first eight overs. Mishara was particularly effective in punishing Shaheen Afridi early on, contributing to the sixth consecutive instance of Pakistan conceding a 50-run opening stand in ODIs.
However, Pakistan swiftly regained control, beginning when Nissanka’s inside edge clattered into the stumps, initiating a typical Sri Lankan collapse. Mohammad Wasim was the chief destroyer, using extra bounce to claim Mishara’s outside edge and later returning to clean up stand-in captain Kusal Mendis with a sharp yorker, finishing with an excellent spell of 3 wickets for 47 runs.
The introduction of left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram, who replaced Abrar Ahmed, proved highly effective; he deployed his variations skillfully, keeping the batters honest throughout the middle overs. Akram delivered a significant double blow, including a splendid delivery that breached Sadeera Samarawickrama‘s defenses just two runs shy of a half-century, and an easy return catch that accounted for Kamindu Mendis. Despite a spirited 32 from debutant Pavan Rathnayake while shepherding the tail, Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for a mere 211, a total that Pakistan deemed never near enough.
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PAK vs SL, 3rd ODI: Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan power Pakistan to series whitewash
The chase began with early jeopardy when young wicket-keeper batter Haseebullah Khan was dismissed for a 12-ball duck, resulting from a desperate smear straight to mid-on. However, Fakhar immediately took the initiative, looking to make up for the early loss by scoring quickly. Zaman’s freedom was facilitated by the arrival of Babar Azam, whose presence lifted the crowd’s spirits while the opener focused on finding the gaps regularly throughout the powerplay.
The crucial turning point for Sri Lanka arrived when leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, playing his first game of the series, managed to pull his side back into the contest. After being hit for a boundary by Zaman, the opener went after him again, only for Kamindu to take a spectacular diving catch in the deep, ending Zaman’s rapid 55-run knock. Vandersay then completed a double strike by dismissing Babar Azam with a deceptive googly that snuck through the gate, momentarily putting pressure on Pakistan.
Despite the losses of Babar and Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat hunkered down, prioritizing wicket preservation over run rate for the next ten overs, which yielded only 32 runs. The patient approach worked, as Sri Lanka were kept out of the wickets column, and the modest asking rate posed no threat. Rizwan eventually coasted to an unbeaten 61*, while Talat provided solid support, dragging Pakistan comfortably over the finish line with 32 balls remaining, securing the 3-0 clean sweep.
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