Eman 
ZeeaK 
Pakistan demonstrated superior composure and depth, comfortably chasing down a low total to defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the third and final One-Day International in Rawalpindi. The victory cemented a decisive 3-0 series sweep for the home team.
The foundation for the win was laid by a collective bowling effort spearheaded by pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr, followed by a clinical chase stabilised by veterans Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat.
Sri Lanka Innings: Wasted Opportunities
After being sent in to bat, Sri Lanka failed to capitalise on promising starts, ultimately folding for a disappointing 211 runs in just 45.2 overs.
- Positive Start: Openers Pathum Nissanka (24) and Kamil Mishara (29) launched a fast start, reaching 55 for no loss inside eight overs. However, the partnership ended abruptly when Nissanka chopped Haris Rauf onto his stumps, and Mishara edged Mohammad Wasim Jr soon after.
- The Struggle to Convert: Despite six of the top seven batsmen crossing the 20-run mark (including captain Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis), none could anchor a large innings.
- Wasim Jr Leads the Attack: Wasim Jr broke the middle order, dismissing Mendis and another batsman cheaply to finish with excellent figures of 3 wickets for 47 runs.
- Samarawickrama’s Fight: Sadeera Samarawickrama top-scored with a stubborn 48 runs, but his resistance ended when he was bowled by a sharp-turning delivery from spinner Faisal Akram. Akram and Rauf both finished with two wickets each, ensuring the Sri Lankan innings ended prematurely.
Pakistan Innings: The Steady Cruise
Chasing 212, Pakistan showed controlled aggression and absorbed the pressure points effectively.
- Fakhar’s Flying Start: Although opener Haseebullah Khan was dismissed for a duck, Fakhar Zaman quickly settled, launching a counter-attack against the seamers. He smashed 8 fours in a fluent 55 off 45 balls, helping to put Pakistan in control at 82/1.
- The Wobble: Sri Lanka fought back hard through spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who delivered a game-changing spell. Vandersay removed Fakhar, bowled the experienced Babar Azam (34) with a straight ball, and trapped Salman Agha lbw, leaving Pakistan wobbling at 115/4.
- Rizwan and Talat Seal the Win: From this critical juncture, the fifth-wicket partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat shut the door on Sri Lanka. Rizwan anchored the chase, bringing up his 19th ODI fifty and remaining unbeaten on a measured 61 off 92 balls. Talat offered composed support, scoring 42 off 57 deliveries*.
- Victory Secured: The pair navigated the remaining overs with ease, sealing the six-wicket win with 5.2 overs to spare, giving Pakistan a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep.
IMAGE CREDITS : CRICBUZZ
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