RAWALPINDI: Mohammad Rizwan (61 not out) marked his 100th ODI in style, crafting a calm yet commanding match-winning half-century as Pakistan completed a clean sweep over Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory in the final ODI at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Sunday.
The triumph sealed a dominant 3-0 whitewash, capping off a series where Pakistan outclassed the visitors in all departments.
Man-of-the-Match Mohammad Wasim Jr (3-47) spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling effort with fiery spells that rattled Sri Lanka early and never allowed them breathing space. His incisive breakthroughs, backed by the youthful exuberance of Faisal Akram (2-42) and the hostile pace of Haris Rauf (2-38), restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 211 all out in 46 overs, a total far below what the tourists had hoped for on a supporting surface.
Pakistan’s chase began with flair as Fakhar Zaman (55) provided a brisk start and Babar Azam (34) added stability. But it was Rizwan who owned the evening, celebrating his milestone match with grit and grace. He found an ideal partner in Hussain Talat (42 not out) as the pair crafted a superb 100-run unbroken stand, guiding Pakistan home in 44.4 overs and ensuring Sri Lanka never found a way back into the contest.
Leg-spinner Jeffery Vandersay (3-42) stood out as the lone bright spot in Sri Lanka’s bowling card, but the visitors lacked the firepower to defend a below-par total. Earlier, Sadeera Samarawickrama (48), stand-in skipper Kusal Mendis (34) and Pavan Rathnayake (32) were the only meaningful contributors as Sri Lanka once again failed to string together lasting partnerships, mirroring their struggles from the second ODI.
Wasim Jr, reflecting on his performance, said: “It was all about maintaining the right line and length and giving your hundred percent when bowling pace.” His discipline, coupled with Pakistan’s sharp fielding and relentless pressure from both pacers and spinners, ensured Sri Lanka never came close to batting through their 50 overs.
