Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan by 2 wickets to level ODI series 1-1
Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by chasing the 288-run target in a roller-coaster match at the Pallekele stadium in Kandy. The series is level on 1-1 with three more matches left.
After winning the toss, Pakistan decided to bat first and were successful in posting a decent target of 288 in 50 overs. Skipper Azhar Ali led his team from the front by scoring 79 runs off 104 balls on a pitch which seemed bowler friendly.
Ahmed Shehzad played a handy knock of 30 before getting bowled by Lankan Sachith Pathirana. First match hero Shoaib Malik played a vital knock of 51 runs in the middle order with Mohammad Rizwan supporting him by keeping his wicket safe at the other end.
Lasith Malinga and Pathirana picked two wickets each for the Lankans but were also the most expensive bowlers.
Lankan's opening batsmen gave the team an electrifying start, with Kusal Perera equalling the record for the fastest-ever ODI fifty – getting to the mark in just 17 deliveries. At the other end Tillakaratne Dilshan kept him company by scoring his runs at a more sedate pace; he made 47 off 63 balls.
The home team’s ride was far from steady as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Pakistani bowlers Rahat Ali and Mohammad Hafeez picked five wickets combined; Ali got rid of the Lankan top order by getting Dilshan, Tharanga and Thirimanne out.
But it was the wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Chandimal who stood in the middle till the end and brought victory home for Sri Lanka. He was not out on 48 off 63 balls as his team chased down the target with 11 balls left.
Perera was voted Man-of-the-Match for his blistering knock of 68 runs off just 25 deliveries, that provided the foundation for the Lankans’ win.