SL vs PAK (3rd ODI) – Highlights
Pakistan wrapped up the ODI series in style at Rawalpindi, outplaying Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the third and final match to seal a clinical finish on November 16, 2025. Under lights at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, the hosts chased down a target of 212 with 32 balls to spare, riding on the calm authority of Mohammad Rizwan and the explosive foundation provided by Fakhar Zaman. The margin of victory looked comfortable, but the journey wasn’t without turbulence, especially in the early phases of the reply.
SL, batting first, never fully grasped control of the innings despite several promising starts. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provided a brisk opening stand, but once Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim entered the picture, the momentum shifted dramatically. Wasim, who walked away with Player of the Match honors, bowled with pace and discipline, finishing with 3 for 47. Rauf supported him with hostility of his own, bagging two wickets and ending the series as the leading wicket-taker. The middle order promised revival when Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama stitched resilience into the innings, yet soft dismissals at vital moments kept Pakistan in control. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 211 in 45.2 overs, a total that always felt slightly below par on a Rawalpindi surface that rewarded patient strokeplay.
PAK chase began shakily when Haseebullah Khan fell for a 12-ball duck, caught behind attempting to survive a growing spell of pressure from Theekshana. With the scoreboard reading 8 for 1, Sri Lanka sensed a possible opening. Then arrived Fakhar Zaman with his familiar aggression. The left-hander counterattacked with boundaries from the word go, racing to 55 off 45 balls and dismantling Sri Lanka’s early plans. His onslaught pulled Pakistan ahead of the required rate instantly, and even after his dismissal, the advantage stayed firmly with the home side.
Babar Azam joined the chase with his signature elegance but could not convert his promising start, bowled by Vandersay for 34. The leg-spinner was the lone standout among Sri Lanka’s bowlers, claiming 3 for 42 in his ten overs. He kept the visitors in contention when he trapped Salman Agha lbw shortly thereafter, leaving Pakistan wobbling at 115 for 4. Suddenly, the mood shifted, and Sri Lanka was momentarily alive.
That flash of hope lasted only until Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat took control of the evening. Rizwan anchored the innings with impeccable shot selection and temperament, finishing unbeaten on 61 off 92 balls. Talat complemented him perfectly, rotating strike and absorbing pressure during his steady 42 not out. Together, they stitched an unbroken stand that slowly, calmly, and clinically carried Pakistan over the line in 44.4 overs.
The match showcased PAK bowling strength and SL’s batting inconsistency, and the home side completed what was ultimately a well-earned series victory. With firepower upfront and composure in the middle order, Pakistan proved once again why they remain a dominant force at home.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Scoreboard
Sri Lanka – 211 /10 (45.2)
Pakistan – 215/4 (44.4)
Result – Pakistan won by 6 wickets (with 32 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Mohammad Wasim
Mohammad Wasim
SL vs PAK Playing Eleven
Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga |
Pakistan | Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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