Afghanistan vs Pakistan: Pakistan Seals Series Win with Victory in 3rd ODI

Pakistan Dominates in Sri Lanka

The Pakistan cricket team emerged victorious in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) match against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, securing the series win with a convincing 59-run victory. The match, held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 26, 2023, saw Pakistan maintain its dominance throughout the series.

Pakistan's Batting Masterclass

Pakistan's batters set a formidable target for Afghanistan, posting a challenging total of 313 runs for the loss of six wickets. Opener Imam-ul-Haq led the charge with a magnificent century (122 runs), while Captain Babar Azam contributed with a crucial 86 runs. Mohammad Rizwan (51 runs) and Khushdil Shah (48 runs) provided valuable contributions down the order.

Afghanistan's Valiant Effort

Despite the daunting target, Afghanistan's batsmen fought valiantly throughout their innings. Opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored for his team with a well-played 84 runs, while Najibullah Zadran chipped in with 72 runs. However, the Pakistan bowlers proved too strong, with Shaheen Afridi claiming three wickets and Haris Rauf taking two wickets.

Pakistan's Rise in ODI Rankings

With this series victory, Pakistan has ascended to the number one spot in the ODI rankings. Their impressive performance in Sri Lanka further solidifies their status as one of the leading ODI teams in the world. The team's consistent batting and disciplined bowling have been key factors in their success.

Conclusion

The third ODI between Afghanistan and Pakistan was a thrilling encounter that showcased the depth of talent in both teams. Pakistan's clinical performance secured them the series victory and propelled them to the top of the ODI rankings. Afghanistan, despite their valiant effort, will look to bounce back in future matches and challenge the dominance of the current world leaders.