Pakistan Chasing 212 After Sri Lanka Fall for 211 in Final ODI

Overview

Sri Lanka managed 211 runs in the final ODI after Pakistan disciplined bowling effort restricted their scoring throughout the innings. With key contributions from the visiting team and impressive spells from Pakistani bowlers, the hosts now face a manageable 212 run target to complete a series whitewash.

Pakistan bowlers celebrate a key wicket during the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Innings Comes to an End at 211

In the third and final One-Day International between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the visitors concluded their innings at 211 runs, setting a target of 212 for the home side. Sri Lanka showed brief resistance but failed to convert starts into big scores.

Top Performers for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka innings featured several notable contributions:

Sadeera Samarawickrama played a steady knock of 48 runs, coming close to a well deserved half century.

Kusal Mendis, who captained the side in the absence of Charith Asalanka, added 34 runs and anchored the middle overs.

Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 29, while Pavan Rathnayake offered value with a useful 32 run innings.

However, the team failed to build lasting partnerships, resulting in a below-par total.

Pakistan Bowling Dominates the Innings

Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight lines throughout the match, forcing regular wickets and restricting Sri Lanka’s momentum.

Key Bowling Highlights

Mohammad Wasim Jr. led the attack brilliantly, picking up 3 wickets with disciplined bowling.

Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram contributed equally with 2 wickets each, keeping pressure on the visitors.

These combined efforts ensured Sri Lanka could not capitalize during the middle and death overs.

Pakistan Announces Four Squad Changes

For the final ODI, Pakistan introduced four changes to their lineup. Faisal Akram, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Haseebullah returned to the playing XI.

Haseebullah also took charge as the wicketkeeper for this match, adding a fresh dynamic to the squad.

Sri Lanka Makes Leadership and Lineup Adjustments

With regular captain Charith Asalanka unavailable, Kusal Mendis stepped in as the stand-in captain. Sri Lanka also made four changes to their squad, aiming to strengthen their performance after losing the series.

Pakistan Already Clinched the Series

Pakistan entered the final match with the series already secured. They recorded a narrow 6 run win in the first ODI and followed it up with a dominant 8 wicket victory in the second match, ensuring a decisive lead.

A successful chase of 212 today would complete a clean sweep for the Green Shirts.