Pakistan and Sri Lanka are gearing up for the third and final ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan are already holding an unassailable 2–0 lead, having clinched a comfortable win in the second ODI. And they will enter the match brimming with confidence, while Sri Lanka will be desperate to salvage pride and avoid a whitewash. The second ODI also marked Babar Azam's return to form, with the batting stalwart breaking his long-standing century drought.
Babar played a composed and match-winning knock of 102 not out off 119 balls, leading Pakistan to a dominant eight-wicket win. This was Babar's first international hundred in 807 days. Since his previous ton, scored against Nepal at the 2023 Asia Cup, Babar had played 83 innings without crossing the three-figure mark. Pakistan also enjoyed the support of Fakhar Zaman and the ever-reliable Mohammad Rizwan, both of whom scored half-centuries.
Now with the series already secured, the third ODI presents an opportunity for the hosts to sweep it 3-0. Sri Lanka have had their moments across both matches, but they have been unable to stitch together a complete performance, which has continued to plague them. Players like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, and captain Charith Asalanka have yet to make defining contributions. Now for Sri Lanka, the final ODI is a chance to restore confidence heading into the upcoming T20I tri-series.
Head-to-head
Matches - 159
PAK won - 95
SL won - 59
No result - 4
Tied - 1
Pakistan possible XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed/Faheem Ashraf
Sri Lanka possible XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pramod Madushan/Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando