PM Shehbaz Sharif and fans erupt as Pakistan completes 3-0 clean sweep with clinical win vs Sri Lanka in third ODI

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Pakistan delivered a composed performance to secure a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI in Rawalpindi, sealing a commanding 3-0 series whitewash. The host nation’s victory was set up by a disciplined bowling effort, led by Mohammad Wasim, who helped restrict the visitors to a modest total of 211 runs. Despite a valiant fightback by the Sri Lankan spinners in the middle overs, a crucial half-century from opener Fakhar Zaman and a calm, unbeaten knock from Mohammad Rizwan ensured Pakistan chased the target comfortably. The win came with 5.2 overs to spare, capping a successful series for the home side and bringing Sri Lanka’s stuttering tour to an end.

Sri Lanka‘s innings started with aggressive intent, appearing to target a score exceeding 300 runs as openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara quickly raced to a 50-run partnership inside the first eight overs. Mishara was particularly effective in punishing Shaheen Afridi early on, contributing to the sixth consecutive instance of Pakistan conceding a 50-run opening stand in ODIs.

However, Pakistan swiftly regained control, beginning when Nissanka’s inside edge clattered into the stumps, initiating a typical Sri Lankan collapse. Mohammad Wasim was the chief destroyer, using extra bounce to claim Mishara’s outside edge and later returning to clean up stand-in captain Kusal Mendis with a sharp yorker, finishing with an excellent spell of 3 wickets for 47 runs.

The introduction of left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram, who replaced Abrar Ahmed, proved highly effective; he deployed his variations skillfully, keeping the batters honest throughout the middle overs. Akram delivered a significant double blow, including a splendid delivery that breached Sadeera Samarawickrama‘s defenses just two runs shy of a half-century, and an easy return catch that accounted for Kamindu Mendis. Despite a spirited 32 from debutant Pavan Rathnayake while shepherding the tail, Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for a mere 211, a total that Pakistan deemed never near enough.

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The chase began with early jeopardy when young wicket-keeper batter Haseebullah Khan was dismissed for a 12-ball duck, resulting from a desperate smear straight to mid-on. However, Fakhar immediately took the initiative, looking to make up for the early loss by scoring quickly. Zaman’s freedom was facilitated by the arrival of Babar Azam, whose presence lifted the crowd’s spirits while the opener focused on finding the gaps regularly throughout the powerplay.

The crucial turning point for Sri Lanka arrived when leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, playing his first game of the series, managed to pull his side back into the contest. After being hit for a boundary by Zaman, the opener went after him again, only for Kamindu to take a spectacular diving catch in the deep, ending Zaman’s rapid 55-run knock. Vandersay then completed a double strike by dismissing Babar Azam with a deceptive googly that snuck through the gate, momentarily putting pressure on Pakistan.

Despite the losses of Babar and Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat hunkered down, prioritizing wicket preservation over run rate for the next ten overs, which yielded only 32 runs. The patient approach worked, as Sri Lanka were kept out of the wickets column, and the modest asking rate posed no threat. Rizwan eventually coasted to an unbeaten 61*, while Talat provided solid support, dragging Pakistan comfortably over the finish line with 32 balls remaining, securing the 3-0 clean sweep.

Well done, boys! Pakistan is proud of you!My felicitations to our cricket team on a clean sweep against Sri Lanka in the ODI series. Great work by the team, management and Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 What a superb display of skill and teamwork! Shahbash 👏🏻My appreciation to…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 17, 2025

Congratulations to Pakistan on a clean sweep over Sri Lanka. They were no doubt worthy winners. As for Sri Lanka they will rue the missed opportunities which could have resulted in a much better finish to the series. Plenty to think and work on for Sri Lanka going forward.

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) November 16, 2025

The value of a good left arm wrist spinner on display – Faisal Akram, very impressive.

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) November 16, 2025

Faisal Akram is a genuine match-winner and a proper spinner. We need to give him plenty of games from now on. Not only a good cricketer but a great kid too. Hope we back him properly. #PAKvSL

— Haroon (@hazharoon) November 16, 2025

Memorable Day Clean sweep against Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 In ODI Series Win against India 🇮🇳 in Rising Stars Asia Cup Congratulations Pakistan 🇵🇰

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) November 16, 2025

Congratulations Pakistan 🇵🇰

The series may be yours, but Sri Lanka won something bigger, we defeated terror, took the field for all three ODIs fearlessly, and emerged as true heroes.🇱🇰 #SLvPAK

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) November 16, 2025

Last 4 Results of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Series. 🇵🇰🇱🇰

2015 – Pakistan won by 3-22017 – Pakistan won by 5-02019 – Pakistan won by 2-02025* – Pakistan won by 3-0

— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) November 16, 2025

Dominant 3-0 win 🇵🇰👏 A clinical performance by the boys across three games. Pakistan take the ODI series 3-0 with discipline and composure. Well done team, keep the momentum going 🇵🇰 and Shaheens crush India A by 8 wickets 🔥💚#PAKvSL #PakistanCricket #PakistanZindabad

— Nazia Sheikh 🇵🇰 (@n_sheikh007) November 16, 2025

Pakistan sweeps the #PAKvSL series 3-0. Congratulations!

Distinguished guests, including Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence, Natalie Baker, US Chargé d’Affaires, and Rear Admiral (Rtd) Fred Senevirathne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, enjoyed the match at the

— Syed Khalid Hamdani (@HamdaniPSP) November 16, 2025

Pakistan won the ODI series 3-0 🏆#Cricket #PAKvSL #PakistanCricket

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 17, 2025

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