Chasing 212, Pakistan crossed the finish line in 44.4 overs with six wickets in hand, completing a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka. Tributes poured in on Sunday as national leaders and cricket officials lauded Pakistan’s dominant ODI performance and the competitive spirit displayed throughout the series.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X to congratulate the team, praising their “wonderful display of cricket’s unifying spirit.” He said, “I congratulate our national team on winning the ODI series against Sri Lanka,” also commending Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his team “for their tireless efforts.”

Sharif further extended gratitude to the Sri Lankan players and management, highlighting that “they once again reflected the enduring friendship between our two nations.”

PCB Chairman Naqvi also celebrated Pakistan’s achievement, stating, “Well done boys! Congratulations to all the players on a brilliant clean sweep in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, following our T20I series win as well. Back-to-back dominant performances make us proud of our players, coaches, and management for their dedication and spirit.”

Naqvi urged fans to continue backing the team, adding, “Trust and believe in these boys—they are giving their all for the country.”

He also singled out Haris Rauf for special praise, noting, “Congratulations to Haris Rauf on being named Man of the Series for his outstanding bowling throughout.”

The PCB chief concluded by calling the sweep a “great moment for Pakistan cricket and our fans.”

Key contributions in the third ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium came from Fakhar Zaman and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, both scoring crucial fifties, while Pakistan’s disciplined bowling ensured a comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka to complete the series sweep.

Chasing 212, Pakistan crossed the finish line in 44.4 overs with six wickets in hand, winning the series 3-0.

The experienced duo of Babar Azam and Fakhar then steadied the innings, forging a 74-run second-wicket partnership that helped Pakistan reach 82-2 in 15.2 overs.

Fakhar continued his fine form, scoring 55 off 45 balls, including eight boundaries, to record his 19th ODI fifty before being dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay.

Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar Azam to accelerate the scoring, guiding Pakistan past 100 in the 20th over with 112 runs still needed from 30 overs.

However, the 21st over proved costly as Vandersay dismissed Babar for 34 off 52 deliveries, leaving the team at 101-3. Vandersay struck again to remove Salman Ali Agha for six, putting Pakistan under pressure at 101-4.

Rizwan and Hussain Talat then combined to rebuild the innings, steadily scoring and taking Pakistan past the 150-run mark.

Their crucial 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket eased the pressure, pushing the team to 167-4 after 37 overs.

Top-35 senior Ethan Taylor announced his commitment to Michigan State on Friday, likely vaulting the Spartans into the top three of the 2026 recruiting class rankings.

Tom Izzo’s program hosted Taylor for a visit in early October, gaining control of the momentum in the big man’s recruitment.

“When I was looking for a school, Michigan State checked all my boxes,” Taylor said. “The fanbase is amazing and I can feel the immense amounts of love from them; they treated me like I was a part of the team on my visit.”

“I was on my visit for Michigan State Madness and the Izzone was insane,” he added. “The fans were chanting my name, and it was surreal.”

Taylor’s relationship with Izzo was the deciding factor for Taylor, who chose the Spartans over Kansas, Oregon, Indiana, Oklahoma and others.

“Coach Izzo is incredibly passionate, and he really cares about his team and treats the players like his family,” he said. “He’ll push you to be the best you can be while holding you accountable but also loving on you. The culture he’s created where all the former players come back and workout with the team for ‘Grind Week’ is cool. It says a lot about him as a coach and the staff. The players welcomed me with open arms. The program has been so successful including Final Fours and a national championship.”

Michigan State entered the early signing period with the No. 6 class in the country, consisting of SC Next 100 prospects Jasiah Jervis (No. 50), Julius Avent (No. 70) and Carlos Medlock Jr. (No. 89). With Taylor now in the fold – and as the class’ highest-ranked commitment – Michigan State likely rises into the top three of the class rankings.

The No. 3 center in the 2026 class and the No. 32 prospect overall, Taylor has steadily improved over the course of the last year. He’s coming off a summer in which he averaged 9.4 points and 8.8 rebounds for MoKan Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, shooting better than 69% from the field.

Taylor runs the floor with effort and coordination, rebounds with consistency and will block shots and protect the basket with his size, frame and alertness. With his back to the basket, he looks to make and maintain contact with defenders to duck in or drop-step his way to finishing. Either in the open floor or off a teammate’s penetration, Taylor is a lob threat with steady hands and a powerful vertical leap.

He should help replace Michigan State’s outgoing frontcourt players in 2026-27, as starting bigs Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper are both seniors.