Pakistan bowled out Sri Lanka for 211 in 45.2 overs in the third and final ODI at Rawalpindi on Sunday, a match that holds no bearing on the series outcome but allowed both sides to test their bench strength.
Pakistan, having won the toss, opted to bowl first. Sri Lanka made steady progress early on, reaching 99 for 2 in 20 overs. However, regular wickets through the middle overs prevented them from building a substantial total.
Pathum Nissanka scored 24 off 27 balls, while Kamil Mishara added 29 from 30 deliveries. Captain Kusal Mendis contributed 34 off 54, and Sadeera Samarawickrama top-scored with a composed 48 off 65. Pavan Rathnayake provided late resistance with 32 off 37 balls, but the lower order collapsed quickly.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings. Haris Rauf led the attack with three wickets, while Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Faisal Akram claimed two apiece. Faheem Ashraf chipped in with one wicket, and sharp fielding resulted in a run-out handled jointly by substitute Saim Ayub and wicketkeeper Haseebullah Khan.
Pakistan made four changes for the match, including the return of captain Shaheen Shah Afridi after recovering from injury. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, were without skipper Charith Asalanka due to illness.
