A pair of half-centuries from Pakistan’s middle order have secured victory in the series finale against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi
Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman have guided Pakistan to complete a 3-0 series sweep of Sri Lanka with a clinical six-wicket victory in their third and final ODI.
Rizwan made an unbeaten 61 and Zaman 55, their second successive half-centuries, to ease Pakistan to their target on 4-215 with 32 balls still remaining on Sunday.
Sri Lanka had earlier wasted a brisk start before they were bowled out for 211 in 45.2 overs after Shaheen Shah Afridi, returning to lead the side after missing the second game with fever, won the toss and elected to field.
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six runs in a thrilling first ODI and Babar Azam’s first international century in over two years anchored Pakistan to a thumping eight-wicket victory in the second match at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
Zaman followed his 78 in the second game with a fluent half-century after fellow opener Haseebullah Khan, one of the four changes Pakistan made, fell for a 12-ball duck.
Zaman and Babar (34) then controlled the chase with a 76-run stand as Sri Lanka pace bowlers struggled with a wet ball because of dew.
Fast bowlers Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan conceded 100 in their combined 18 overs without a wicket after Sri Lanka rested frontline pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando for the dead rubber.
Zaman completed his half century off 39 balls with seven fours before leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay (3-42) picked up three wickets in the middle overs.
But Rizwan, playing in his 100th ODI, and Hussain Talat (42no) navigated Pakistan’s comfortable chase with an unbroken century-stand.
Kamil Mishra (29), who made his ODI debut in the series, and Pathum Nissanka (24) again provided a decent start of 55 before Pakistan pace pegged back Sri Lanka’s progress.
Nissanka dragged Haris Rauf’s (2-38) short ball back onto his stumps and Mohammad Wasim (3-47) had Mishara caught behind.
Stand-in captain Kusal Mendis, who led the side after Charith Asalanka missed out because of illness, was bowled for 34.
Sadeera Samarawickrama top-scored with 48 before he fell to wrist spinner Faisal Akram (2-42).
Debutant Pavan Rathnayake showed some resistance and made 32 off 37 before he was the last man to go in a runout.
