Pakistan comfortably defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final match to sweep the three-match ODI series 3-0. Despite a brief fightback from the visitors in the middle overs, Pakistan’s consistent bowling attack, led by Mohammad Wasim, and decisive batting from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan proved too strong.
Sri Lanka began their innings with intent, as openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara raced to a 50-run partnership in under eight overs, notably punishing Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, their momentum crumbled quickly after Nissanka was bowled off an inside edge.
Mohammad Wasim delivered the key breakthrough, claiming Mishara's outside edge. Stand-in captain Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama attempted a slow rebuild, but the pressure mounted.
Left-arm wristspinner Faisal Akram (replacing Abrar Ahmed) impressed, eventually cleaning up Mendis with a yorker and brilliantly piercing Samarawickrama's defense, two runs shy of a half-century (48). Wasim ended with figures of 3-47. Debutant Pavan Rathnayake (32) showed temperament while shepherding the tail, but with limited support, Sri Lanka were bowled out for a below-par total of 211 in 44.4 overs.
The chase, though briefly interrupted, was always in Pakistan's control. Fakhar Zaman quickly took charge after Haseebullah Khan departed for a duck. Zaman found the gaps regularly in the powerplay and coasted to a confident 55. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, playing his first match of the series, triggered a minor collapse, first dismissing the aggressive Zaman, and then bowling Babar Azam (21) with a googly. When Vandersay trapped Salman Agha in front, Pakistan was briefly under pressure. Vandersay finished with excellent figures of 3-42.
Experienced batter Mohammad Rizwan (61*) and Hussain Talat (43*) settled the nerves. They slowed the scoring to eliminate risk before resuming control, coasting to the target with 5.2 overs remaining to complete the 3-0 series sweep.
