Pakistan Sweeps Sri Lanka with 6-Wicket Victory in Final ODI
Pakistan secured a clean sweep over Sri Lanka, clinching a 3-0 series victory with a solid 6-wicket win in the third and final One Day International (ODI) played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 16. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bat first but struggled, getting all out for just 211 runs in 45.2 overs. Mohammad Wasim Jr was the star bowler for Pakistan, taking three wickets for 47 runs.
In response, Pakistan chased down the target comfortably within 44.4 overs. Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a brisk 55 off 45 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan shone with an unbeaten 61 off 92 deliveries. Hussain Talat also played a key role, contributing a steady 42 not out from 57 balls. Despite a few hiccups with Sri Lankan bowler Jeffrey Vandersay taking 3 wickets for 42 runs, Pakistan’s middle order held strong, highlighted by a crucial partnership of 100 runs between Rizwan and Talat, which came off 122 balls.
Mohammad Wasim Jr was named Player of the Match for his impressive bowling performance. Haris Rauf earned the title of Player of the Series, having taken nine wickets over the three matches with an average of 18.33.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, missed several opportunities during their innings. The batting lineup saw six of the top seven batsmen start well but could not convert starts into substantial scores. Opening pair Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara put together a promising beginning, reaching 55 without loss in just eight overs. However, they quickly fell, with Nissanka scoring 24 and Mishara adding 29 before they were dismissed.
Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama tried to stabilize the innings with a partnership of 43 runs, but the middle order crumbled again. Mendis was bowled for 34 by Wasim, and although Samarawickrama managed a solid 48, he eventually fell to a turning ball from Faisal Akram. Despite Pawan Rathnayake’s lively contribution of 32, Sri Lanka struggled to find support from the lower order and were dismissed in the 46th over.
With this victory, Pakistan has clearly established its dominance in the series.
