Pakistan secured a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final One Day International (ODI) in Rawalpindi, completing a clean 3-0 series sweep. The match also highlighted the resilience and sportsmanship of the Sri Lankan side, who continued with the tour despite recent security concerns in Pakistan.
Following a suicide bomb attack in Islamabad, several Sri Lankan players had considered abandoning the tour. At that point, only one ODI had been played, which Pakistan had won. Through persistent diplomatic efforts and reassurances from Pakistan’s cricket authorities, the visitors were persuaded to continue, displaying commendable professionalism in the face of adversity. Unfortunately for them, Pakistan made them pay on the field with an emphatic victory.
Batting first, Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships and were dismissed for 211 runs in 45.2 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama top-scored with 48, while captain Kusal Mendis contributed 34 and Pawan Ratnayake 32. Pakistan pacer Mohammad Wasim was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 47 runs.
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan lost opener Hasibullah Khan early in the fourth over. However, a 74-run partnership between Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman steadied the innings. Babar was dismissed for 34 from 52 balls, while Fakhar scored a fluent 55 off 45 deliveries. Mohammad Rizwan, promoted to number four, anchored the chase alongside Hussain Talat, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 92 balls. The pair added an unbroken 100-run stand for the fifth wicket, securing a comfortable victory with 32 balls remaining.
With this win, Pakistan’s dominance in the series was clear. Wasim was named player of the match, while Haris Rauf was awarded series player of the tournament. Sri Lanka now turn their attention to the upcoming tri-nation tournament in Pakistan from 18 November, alongside hosts Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
Score Summary:
Sri Lanka: 211 all out, 45.2 overs (Samarawickrama 48, Mendis 34, Ratnayake 32; Wasim 3/47, Haris 2/38, Faisal 2/42)
Pakistan: 215/4, 44.4 overs (Fakhar 55, Rizwan 61*, Talat 42*)
Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets