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.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid on his trail, while a move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo is being considered by Tottenham. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

– Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid are among the clubs in Europe keeping close tabs on the situation of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Bianconeri are yet to make progress on a potential contract renewal for the 25-year-old as they are unwilling to continue his current €12m-per-season deal, but would be open to signing him to an extension on a reduced salary. Less than two months remain before Vlahovic will enter the final six months of his contract, when he will be allowed to discuss a pre-contract agreement with teams from outside of the Serie A.

– A move for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo is being considered by Tottenham Hotspur. Football Insider reports that Spurs have identified the 24-year-old as an alternative to Everton‘s Iliman Ndiaye, as they continue to look for options to strengthen their right flank. It is reported that Kubo, who has scored one goal in 10 LaLiga games this season and has previously been linked with Liverpool, could be signed by activating a €60 million release clause in his contract.

– Manchester United are planning to make two marquee midfield signings in the upcoming transfer windows, according to The Mirror. Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, is reported to be the No. 1 name on their short list, and he is expected to be available for a transfer fee of less than £100 million. The Red Devils also remain keen on 21-year-old Brighton star Carlos Baleba, though the Seagulls would demand a fee worth at least £100 million.

– Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester United are leading the race to sign Olympiakos midfielder Christos Mouzakitis, according to Nicolo Schira. The trio of Premier League sides are all reported to be interested in the 18-year-old, who is also on the radar of Napoli. Mouzakitis has been capped seven times by Greece at senior international level, and it is reported that an offer worth €30 million would be required to persuade his side to let him go.

– Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy is set to explore a move away from the club, reports TEAMtalk. It is reported that Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Man United could be offered the chance to land the 29-year-old due to a release clause in his contract, but whether the Red Devils enter the race would hinge on how much they feel such an addition would impact the playing time of Benjamin Sesko. Meanwhile, Nicolo Schira says that a club in Saudi Arabia is “ready” to make a three-year contract offer to Guirassy worth €20m per year.

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OTHER RUMORS

– Chelsea are considering a late swoop to secure a loan move for Real Madrid striker Endrick, who is close to joining Lyon. (Cadena Ser)

– Real Madrid and Manchester City are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt left back Nathaniel Brown. (Bild)

– Santos forward Neymar could consider a move away from the club in January when he is set to become a free agent. (Fabrizio Romano)

– There will only be a move from Barcelona for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane if they do not renew the contract of 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski. (Sport)

– Both Sunderland and Brentford have enquired regarding a potential move for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez. (Calciomercato)

– Arsenal are in the race for Feyenoord midfielder Quentin Timber, who is the twin brother of Gunners defender Jurrien. (Caught Offside)

– An agreement over a new three-year contract is close to being reached by AC Milan and center back Fikayo Tomori. (Nicolo Schira)

– Internazionale are interested in a €10 million deal for Genoa wing back Brooke Norton-Cuffy, 21, who arrived in the Serie A from Arsenal in 2024. Inter also remain in the race for Norton-Cuffy’s teammate in midfielder Morten Frendrup. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to bring Fulham winger Adama Traore to the London Stadium. (Football Insider)

– Al Ahli have no plans to part ways with striker Ivan Toney in January. (Goal)

– Bayern Munich are planning to offer attacking midfielder Lennart Karl a new contract. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Crystal Palace and West Ham are among the teams interested in Bayern Munich right back Sacha Boey. (Ekrem Konur)

– Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza. (Football Insider)