Sri Lankan players celebrate key breakthrough as Pakistan's Haseebullah falls in 3rd ODI at Pindi Stadium
RAWALPINDI – November 16:
There was a very lively and competitive atmosphere in the Pindi Cricket Stadium
on Saturday as Sri Lanka dealt a vital blow against Pakistan during the third
One Day International of the series. The turning point arrived in the shape of
young Pakistani batter Haseebullah Khan, who was building his innings with calm
determination, losing his wicket to a sharp piece of bowling that sent the Sri
Lankan players into a spirited celebration.
The wicket came in a pretty tense period of the Pakistan innings. With the
scoreboard running along nicely and the home crowd encouraging every run,
Haseebullah tried to guide the ball onto the off side, a shot he had played
with such confidence throughout the innings. This time, though, the ball just
held its line sufficiently to take the edge, flying into the safe hands
positioned at slip. In the blink of an eye, Sri Lankan fielders erupted in
jubilation, forming a tight celebratory huddle showing relief and hunger.
The dismissal of Haseebullah not only removed a set batter, but it also broke
Pakistan's rhythm at a juncture when the innings needed consolidation. He had
looked quite composed prior to his fall, never shying away from rotating the
strike with a lot of maturity and picking boundaries with controlled timing.
The left-handed batter, known for fluent strokeplay, had already played one
eye-catching shot earlier in the match that got claps all over the stadium.
This short, yet promising knock was again an indicator that Pakistan selectors
are right to keep investing in his development.
Moments before the wicket, the crowd had a glimpse of what Haseebullah carries
as potential. Coming forward confident, he drove a well-directed delivery
crisply along the ground to a stroke that resonated in the stands and drew
energy from the spectators. The shot was simple, yet elegant, suggesting he was
getting set for a decent contribution. But often, that is all it takes in
cricket, and this game was no different.
For Sri Lanka, who had been looking for discipline against Pakistan's top
order, the breakthrough represented a discernible change in momentum. Field
placements became tighter, communication better, and body language hinted at a
belief that the rest of the innings could be on their terms. The huddle that
followed this wicket was more than a celebratory moment; it was a signal of
intent.
Meanwhile, Pakistan had the uphill task of rebuilding. With Haseeb ullah back
in the pavilion, the pressure shifted to the middle order, who had the onus of
rebuilding and not letting the team collapse.
With signs telling the batters to play with the patience and clarity the
coaching staff, who were closely observing from the sidelines, conveyed a sense
of calm. To cheer up the players who were still out in the middle, the audience
even joined in, chanting slogans.
With the series perfectly balanced and both teams keen to take the
psychological edge before the next leg of play, the third ODI already had
narrative weight. Pindi Cricket Stadium was again at the center of a gripping
contest, with its lively crowd and the pitch conditions that promised
unpredictability.
Either the bounce, the
subtle seam movement, or just precise bowling-Sri Lanka managed to bring on a
decisive moment at the perfect time. While it would be the remaining overs that
might prove to be the final outcome of the match, Haseebullah Khan's wicket
stood out for being one of the defining points of the day.
The contrast between his
elegant shot moments earlier and the stunned silence thereafter that greeted
his dismissal depicted perfectly the roller-coaster emotions which make ODI
cricket so captivating. One thing was for sure as the game progressed: this
piece of play would be etched in the memories of both sets of fans-Pakistan for
the promise a rising batter showed and Sri Lanka for the unity and fire in that
vital celebration.
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