Pakistan secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final One-day International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, completing a 3-0 series whitewash on the back of incisive bowling and composed batting. The win marked Pakistan’s second consecutive ODI series triumph following their 2-1 success against South Africa earlier this month.
After opting to field first, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings, restricting Sri Lanka to 211 all out. Pacers Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Junior starred with three wickets each, while left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram chipped in with 2-42. Their combined effort prevented Sri Lanka from generating sustained momentum, despite flashes of resistance from the top order.
It was Pakistan’s second successive ODI series triumph after their 2-1 win over South Africa earlier this month, with focus now shifting to the T20I tri-series featuring the hosts alongside Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.https://t.co/axxbKuh5fq
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 16, 2025
Sri Lanka started strongly through Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, who capitalised on favourable batting conditions before Haris broke the stand by bowling Nissanka. Mishara fell soon after, edging an outswinger from Wasim. With boundaries drying up — particularly during a 47-ball drought — the visitors faltered under pressure. Kusal Mendis, who briefly revived the innings, was bowled by Wasim, triggering a middle-order slide.
Faisal returned for a tight second spell, removing Kamindu Mendis and later bowling Sadeera Samarawickrama for 48 with a sharply turning delivery. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added a searing yorker to dismiss Maheesh Theekshana, while Wasim cleaned up Jeffery Vandersay with another pinpoint yorker. A brief late onslaught from Pavan Rathnayake ended with a run-out, closing Sri Lanka’s innings.
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Pakistan’s chase, though modest, was not without early challenges. Opener Haseebullah Khan departed in the fourth over, but Fakhar Zaman counterattacked with a brisk 55 off 45 balls. He and Babar Azam added a steady 62-run partnership before both fell to leg-spinner Vandersay, who exploited the slowing pitch to pick up three wickets and briefly revive Sri Lanka’s hopes.
From there, Mohammad Rizwan anchored the innings with patience and precision. His unbeaten 61 off 92 balls, supported by Hussain Talat’s measured 42, guided Pakistan safely home. Rizwan’s innings featured timely strokes, including a fluent cover drive and late boundaries as he completed his second successive half-century.
Pakistan wrapped up the chase with 32 balls remaining, sealing a clinical series sweep and shifting focus to the upcoming T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
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