Pakistan outplay Sri Lanka in third ODI

Pakistan completed a dominant 3–0 series sweep against Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory in the third and final ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The host chased down 212 with ease, finishing at 215/4 to secure a 6 wicket win over the visitors. Mohammad Rizwan and Hussain Talat take the green shirts over the line to complete a whitewash.

Mohammad Wasim Jr was declared the Player of the Match for his three wicket-haul giving away only 47 runs.

Harid Rauf received the Player of the Series Award.

"My role in the team is to bowl first change. It's not easy and if the partnership is going and you need a breakthrough, I try and give the best I've got. I've always tried to put my hand up and bowl in the most challenging phases. Big runs are normal in ODI cricket. I focus on having an impact with the ball and taking wickets rather than restricting runs," he said after the match, according to Cricinfo.

Haris took nine wickets in three games.

This story was periodically updated throughout the day. You can read match report here: Pakistan cruise to six-wicket win to wrap up 3–0 whitewash

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first, and the decision paid off as their attack kept Sri Lanka under pressure throughout. Mohammad Wasim Jr led the bowling with three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram claimed two apiece, preventing Sri Lanka from building any significant partnerships.

The game is being played on the same wicket used for the first ODI, raising expectations of another high-scoring affair.

Pakistan have opted for rotation after sealing the series, making four changes. Haseebullah Khan replaces Saim Ayub at the top, while Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed are rested. Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr and left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram come into the XI.

Sri Lanka have also made four changes, with captain Charith Asalanka ruled out due to illness. Pavan Rathnayake, fast bowler Eshan Malinga and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay all return for their first game of the series.

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi (capt), Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk, capt), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga, Jeffrey Vandersay.