Pakistan registered a 3-0 victory over Afghanistan in the 50-over series by winning the third and final ODI with a big margin of 59 runs at R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday (August 26).

Chasing a target of 269, Afghanistan’s innings folded for 209 in 48.4 overs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman waged a lone battle with the bat, scoring 64 off 37 balls.

For Pakistan, the fast bowlers and spinners performed exceptionally well. While the pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf shared four wickets between them, the spin twin of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz claimed five scalps together.

With this convincing win, Pakistan not only completed a whitewash but also achieved the coveted No. 1 ranking in ODIs, displacing Australia from the pole position.

However, former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal wasn’t pleased with the team’s batting performances right through the series.

Kamran called the team's inability to breach the 300-run mark while batting first as an area of concern.

“In modern-day cricket, every batsman has to play positive. If we can't score 300 against this team, can we do that when we face India in the Asia Cup? It becomes pretty difficult. It was a good practice opportunity for Pakistan team, we got a chance in two games to bat first and put on a big score. The batters should've shown more responsibility,” Kamran said on his official YouTube channel.

“Yes, you scored 300 in the second game. But batters should've finished the game. It was a lower-order who finished the run-chase for you. It's not a good sign for Pakistan team,” he added.

Pakistan will open their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Nepal on August 30 in Multan.