Pakistan beat Lanka by six wickets in third ODI to complete whitewash

Pakistan completed a dominant 3-0 series whitewash over Sri Lanka with a convincing six-wicket victory in the final match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan successfully reached a total of 215 for the loss of four wickets in their chase of 211, thanks to key contributions from opening batsman Fakhar Zaman, who played a dynamic knock of 55 runs off 45 balls, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who remained unbeaten on 61 runs from 92 balls.

Sri Lanka fought back valiantly in the middle overs, taking two crucial wickets in quick succession.

They first removed the in-form Babar Azam followed by the dismissal of Salman Agha, both of which slowed the momentum of the chase. Despite these breakthroughs, Sri Lanka’s efforts were not enough to halt Pakistan’s progress.

Mohammad Rizwan (L) and Hussain Talat celebrate their team's victory at the end of the final ODI. AFP

The visitors, though visibly rattled, continued to control the game, but the target of 211 proved too modest to defend. Pakistan, with their depth in batting and composed approach, steadily closed in on the required runs.

With contributions from both Rizwan and Zaman, the chase was completed comfortably, with 5.2 overs to spare, as Pakistan crossed the finish line without too much fuss

Earlier, fast bowler Mohammad Wasim grabbed three wickets to help Pakistan dismiss Sri Lanka for 211 in the third and final day-night international.

Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the third ODI match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday. AFP

Wasim finished with 3-47, while pace partner Haris Rauf took 2-38 and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram 2-42 as tourists were bowled out in 45.2 overs after they were sent in to bat.

Sri Lanka lost the first two ODIs in Rawalpindi and started the final match on a bad note when skipper Charith Asalanka was ruled out with a fever.

Sadeera Samarawickrama, who top-scored with 48, added 43 for the third wicket with stand-in captain Kusal Mendis (34), but the innings then fell away badly.

Pathum Nissanka scored 24 and Kamil Mishara made 29 but both openers were dismissed in quick succession by the combination of Rauf and Wasim.

Akram, playing his first international in a year, dismissed Kamindu Mendis for 10 and then Samarawickrama as the tourists slumped from 4-143 to 8-193.

Debutant Pavan Rathnayake hit a fighting 32 with a six and two boundaries before he was the last man to go, run out trying to take a second run.

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket apiece.

Agencies