Pakistan registered a comfortable win over Sri Lanka in the third ODI of the three-match series played today (16th November) at the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium, completing a commanding 3–0 clean sweep.
Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to bowl first, making four changes to their playing XI. Sri Lanka also made four changes, with young all-rounder Pavan Rathnayake earning his maiden ODI cap, becoming Sri Lanka’s 219th ODI player.
Sri Lanka got off to another promising start, courtesy of openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, who added 55 runs in just 49 deliveries. Mishara scored 29 while Nissanka made 24, but both fell after getting set, failing to convert their starts into substantial contributions.
Stand-in skipper Kusal Mendis, batting at No. 3, added a valuable 34 runs, yet the middle order once again struggled to build momentum. Sadeera Samarawickrama (48) and debutant Rathnayake (32) fought hard to rebuild the innings, but the lack of partnerships saw Sri Lanka bowled out for just 211 runs, failing to bat out their full 50 overs for the first time in the series.
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For Pakistan, Mohammed Wasim Jr. was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 47, while Haris Rauf and left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Chasing 212, Pakistan were rocked early when Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Haseebullah Khan for a duck. Sri Lanka grew further into the contest when Jeffrey Vandersay produced a brilliant spell, removing Babar Azam and Salman Agha within four overs. At 115/4 after 25 overs, Pakistan were behind Sri Lanka’s comparative run rate and under some pressure.
However, a composed and unbeaten 100-run partnership between Hussain Talat and Mohammed Rizwan sealed the victory for the hosts with ease. Pakistan crossed the line comfortably, showcasing their superior experience and batting depth.
Vandersay was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, delivering an impressive spell of 3 for 42, but he lacked meaningful support from the rest of the attack during the crucial middle overs.
With this win, Pakistan wrapped up a well-deserved 3–0 series whitewash, outplaying Sri Lanka in all three departments across the series.
https://stats.thepapare.com/cricket/match/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-3rd-odi
 at the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium, completing a commanding 3–0 clean sweep. ){kind=link}