RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and chose to field first in the third and final One-day International against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan introduced four changes to their playing XI. Young opener Haseebullah Khan earned his ODI debut, and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram also came into the side.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka, led by stand-in captain Kusal Mendis due to Charith Asalanka’s illness, mirrored Pakistan’s approach with four changes of their own as they aim to end the tour on a positive note.
In addition, much of the attention remains on former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who returned to top form on Friday with a commanding century, his first across formats in 83 innings guiding Pakistan to a series-winning victory in the second ODI.
The 31-year-old had been threatening a big score after a match-winning half-century in the T20 series decider against South Africa earlier in the month.
Moreover, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson had expressed confidence in Babar’s form even before the breakthrough innings, predicting that a major performance was imminent after Pakistan’s ODI series win over South Africa last weekend.
Additionally, Babar’s landmark 20th ODI century was made more significant by the presence of his long-time batting partner Mohammad Rizwan at the other end.
The pair produced their 17th century partnership across formats, easing Pakistan to a comfortable chase of 289. Rizwan, who also scored a half-century, celebrated as Babar completed his hundred before the former skipper dropped to the ground in prostration.
Rizwan revealed that the duo had deliberately planned to help Babar reach his century while maintaining control of the chase.
“He is very important for the team, and it was crucial for him to regain his best touch,” Rizwan said.
TEAMS:
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (capt/wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga, Jeffrey Vandersay
