By Alam Zeb Safi
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan wrapped up a dominant ODI series with a six-wicket victory in Rawalpindi, sealing a 3–0 whitewash over Sri Lanka.
Mohammad Wasim led the bowling attack with three wickets as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 211, before Fakhar Zaman’s brisk half-century set the tone for a controlled chase completed with 5.2 overs.
Sri Lanka began aggressively after opting to bat, with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara racing to a 50-run opening stand inside eight overs. Mishara struck several fluent boundaries—particularly off Shaheen Shah Afridi—as Pakistan conceded their sixth consecutive 50-run opening stand in ODIs.
However, the momentum quickly shifted. Nissanka dragged an inside edge onto his stumps, sparking a collapse. Wasim removed Mishara with extra bounce inducing an edge, and scoring became difficult as Pakistan tightened their grip.
Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama attempted to rebuild, but Faisal Akram—coming in for Abrar Ahmed—bowled an impressive first spell, using his variations cleverly. Although Samarawickrama survived an LBW on review, the pressure kept mounting.
Wasim returned to castle Kusal Mendis with a pinpoint yorker, and Akram followed with a double-strike: a superb delivery to dismiss Samarawickrama on 48, and a soft return catch from Kamindu Mendis.
Sri Lanka debutant Pavan Rathnayake showed temperament beyond his years, scoring a fighting 32 and showcasing the shot of the day—a back-foot six over cover. But with little support from the tail, Sri Lanka were bowled out for a modest 211.
Zaman’s Fast Start Sets Up the Chase
Pakistan lost Haseebullah Khan early for a 12-ball duck, but Fakhar Zaman immediately put the chase back on track. He found the boundary regularly in the powerplay, while Babar Azam, looking in excellent touch, rotated the strike smoothly as Pakistan cruised past the 15-over mark.
Zaman brought up a rapid fifty before falling to Jeffrey Vandersay, thanks to a stunning diving catch from Kamindu Mendis. Vandersay then delivered a beauty to bowl Babar, briefly lifting Sri Lanka’s hopes.
The legspinner struck again to trap Agha Salman LBW, reducing Pakistan to 115 for 4 and leaving 97 more to get.
Rizwan and Talat Shut Down Sri Lanka’s Fightback
Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat then steadied the innings with a calculated, risk-free partnership. Over a ten-over period, scoring slowed to just 32 runs, but crucially, Sri Lanka could not break through.
With the required rate never posing a threat, the pair guided Pakistan methodically towards victory. Talat survived an LBW review against Maheesh Theekshana in the 43rd over, symbolising Sri Lanka’s luckless outing in the chilly Rawalpindi conditions.
Rizwan eased to a half-century, and the hosts eventually crossed the line without fuss, sealing a one-sided 3–0 series sweep.
