And with that Pakistan have been handed the series trophy, it's back-to-back home ODI series wins for them. Well deserved win for the home side then as we now turn our attention to the T20Is, which will start on Tuesday. Be sure to join us for that, but until then, on behalf of Danyal and the rest of the team, this is Madushka signing out!
Shaheen Shah Afridi: "Winning the series 3-0 is always good. [multiple matchwinners?] The way I said in the first game, everyone was confident, good touch. [new ball bowlers?] They must be ready for any game, think the rotation policy is good for us. [Faisal?] Credit goes to him, he was sitting in the bench, but bowled really well today. The way they [Haris and Wasim] bowled in the middle overs as well was very good."
Kusal Mendis: "Five top batters started well but didn't continue. That's why we've struggled. Hope we improve going forward. [Vandersay?] He bowled really well. He gave everything, playing an ODI after quite some time. I'm very happy with his bowling. [T20s] I think we have a different bowling unit in the T20s, so I hope they put forward a good performance."
Player of the Series goes to Haris Rauf for his 9 wickets across three games: "My role in the team is to bowl first change. It's not easy and if the partnership is going and you need a breakthrough, I try and give the best I've got. I've always tried to put my hand up and bowl in the most challenging phases. Big runs are normal in ODI cricket. I focus on having an impact with the ball and taking wickets rather than restricting runs."
Player of the Match goes to Mohammed Wasim Jr. for his figures of 3 for 47. He spoke about the importance of his control, and how he looks for dot balls mainly. Wickets come as a result of that.
10.30pm Time then for the post-match presentation...
Abdul Samad: "All that criticism on Pakistan being slow, but they have taken lesser balls than Sri Lanka to chase down the target"
Pakistan are well worth their series win, though Sri Lanka had their moments - particularly in the first game. The hosts though have been more secure with the bat, with several batters able to convert to big scores, while Sri Lanka's batters have largely flattered to deceive. With the ball too, Pakistan have been consistently on top, with their spinners and battery of pacers always looking likely to get breakthroughs.
10.12pm So a solid all-round display to seal a well-deserved 3-0 series sweep for Pakistan. This was a win set up by their bowlers, led by the excellent Mohammed Wasim Jr, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 211. Then their batters made easy but laboured work of the chase, taking minimal risks as they secured the win with 32 balls to spare. An unbeaten 100-run stand between Rizwan and Talat took them home, but the 74-run partnership between Fakhar and Babar is what really set the tone.
waleed : "this is the last odi Pakistan play for another six months, good on this pair to grind the old fashioned way"
