Pakistan secured a commanding victory of 59 runs in the final ODI, completing a clean sweep in the three-match series against Afghanistan. The contest, held on August 26, 2023, at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, marked a pivotal match in the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka.
A symphony of performances by Pakistan’s key players resonated throughout the match. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s half-centuries set a strong platform, complemented by Agha Salman’s unbeaten 38, a significant contribution. Mohammad Nawaz showcased his all-around capabilities, while Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf combined to secure five crucial wickets. This collective effort orchestrated Pakistan’s comfortable 59-run victory over Afghanistan, despite Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s record-breaking fifty.
The result confirmed Pakistan’s domination in the series, culminating in a decisive 3-0 whitewash.
Prominent match statistics underlined Pakistan’s supremacy on the field. The 59-run triumph marked the third-largest victory margin for Pakistan against Afghanistan in ODIs. Afghanistan’s total score of 268 stood as their second-highest against Pakistan in ODIs, following their impressive 302 in the preceding game at Hambantota.
An outstanding partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stood out as a pivotal factor. The duo amassed 110 runs for the third wicket, setting a new record for Pakistan against Afghanistan in ODIs. This accomplishment surpassed the previous record held since 2012.
Notably, Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s exceptional batting performance failed to shift the momentum in favor of Afghanistan. His record-breaking fifty, achieved in just 26 balls, established a new record for the fastest fifty by an Afghan batsman in ODI history. This feat surpassed the previous record set by Rashid Khan in 2021.
Moving to the specifics of the match, Pakistan compiled a total of 268-8 in their allocated 50 overs. Mohammad Rizwan emerged as the top scorer, crafting a patient 67 off 79 deliveries. Babar Azam contributed 60 runs off 86 balls, punctuated by 4 fours and a six. Agha Salman’s brisk, unbeaten 38 off 31 balls, containing 4 fours and a six, added impetus to Pakistan’s innings. Mohammad Nawaz played a vital role, striking 30 runs off 25 balls, including 2 fours and a six, at a strike rate of 120. Additionally, Fakhar Zaman contributed 27 runs off 33 balls, featuring 5 fours.
Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan’s batsmen. Gulbadin Naib and Fareed Ahmad managed to secure 2 wickets each, while Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed a wicket apiece.
In response, Afghanistan posted a total of 209 all out in 48.4 overs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s aggressive batting was a standout, as he hammered 64 runs off just 37 balls, including 5 sixes and 5 fours, at a staggering strike rate of 172.97. Shahidullah contributed 37 runs off 65 balls, while Riaz Hassan added 34 runs off 66 balls, including 5 fours.
Pakistan’s bowling unit was led by Shadab Khan, who took 3 wickets for 42 runs in his 10 overs, including a maiden over. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Nawaz each chipped in with a wicket.
Mohammad Rizwan was named Player of the Match for his exceptional batting performance, which included a knock of 67 runs off 79 balls, featuring 6 fours and a six, along with his contributions behind the stumps. Imam-ul-Haq was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent performance throughout the three-match ODI series, amassing a total of 165 runs.
In summary, Pakistan’s comprehensive victory in the third ODI, driven by collective brilliance and crucial partnerships, secured a 59-run win over Afghanistan, sealing a resounding 3-0 whitewash in the series.