PAK vs SL: Pakistan complete ODI series win at home after measured chase
Pakistan aced the 298-run chase against Sri Lanka to capture the ODI series 2-0 in the third encounter at National Stadium, Karachi yesterday (2nd October). Danushka Gunathilaka’s career-best score of 133 ended in vain as the home side received significant contributions from their top order. After a washout in the first ODI, Pakistan won consecutive matches to secure a victory in their first home series after a while.
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Gunathilaka plays an elegant knock
Batting first in the decisive game, Sri Lanka lost their opener, Avishka Fernando, early. Captain Lahiru Thirimanne stood strong in support of Gunathilaka who took a cautious approach after an aggressive start. The duo added 88 runs for the second wicket to take the team past 100. Pakistan did not allow other middle-order batsmen to get settled with the exception of the debutant wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka.
At the other end, Gunathilaka went on to complete his second ODI hundred. Even after reaching the milestone, he did not waver and kept adding runs to the tally. He fell in the 45th over after scoring 133. Dasun Shanaka’s quick-fire 43 from 24 balls carried Sri Lanka towards 300. They ultimately finished on 297/9. Mohammad Amir, the pick of the bowlers, took 3/50.
Pakistan give a strong reply
With Imam-ul-Haq ruled out of the match due to an injury in the second ODI, Abid Ali earned an opportunity at the top. The 31-year old impressed with his 74-run knock from just 67 balls. While Fakhar Zaman established himself at the other end, Ali ensured that the batting side was always ahead of the required run rate. The 123-run opening partnership set Pakistan in an ideal position to complete the chase.
After Ali’s fall, Babar Azam continued in the same vein. He promised another spectacular knock but fell for a 26-ball 31. Pakistan endured a double-blow as Azam and Zaman (76) fell in quick succession. Haris Sohail then ensured that the home side remained in a strong position with his half-century. Iftikhar Ahmed closed the chase with 28 not out from 22 balls.
These two teams will now travel to Lahore for a three-match T20I series which begins on 5th October (Saturday).
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 297/9 in 50 overs (D Gunathilaka 133, D Shanaka 43, M Amir 3-50) lost to Pakistan 299/5 in 48.2 overs (F Zaman 76, A Ali 74, S Haris 56, N Pradeep 2-53) by five wickets.
