Daily Times

Karachi: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the third and final day-night international at the National Stadium Karachi here Wednesday to win the three-match series 2-0. The first ODI was called off due to rain while second was won by the hosts by 67 runs. Chasing formidable target of 298, Pakistan reached their target in 48.2 overs with Fakhar Zaman leading the way with 76 while fellow opener Abid Ali scored 74 and Haris Sohail made 56. Abid was named man of the match for his scintillating knock while Babar Azam won the Player of the Series award.

Earlier, Sri Lanka set a target of 298 after the visitors, who won the toss and opted to bat first, finished with a score of 297-9 in their allotted 50 overs. Sri Lanka lost their first wicket in the third over when Avishka Fernando (4 off 6) was caught by Sarfaraz Ahmed off Mohammad Amir. Lahiru Thirimanne (36 off 53) was the next to go, getting caught by Mohammad Nawaz on his own ball in the 20th over. Angelo Perera, who put 13 runs on the scoreboard off 25 balls, was caught in the 30th over by Haris Sohail off Usman Shinwari. Thanks in large part to Danushka Gunathilaka, who ensured Pakistan bowlers remain wicketless for the next 10 overs — until Minod Bhanuka was run out in the 41st over off Shadab Khan. Shadab’s second wicket came when Shehan Jayasuriya was caught by Iftikhar Ahmad two overs later. Gunathilaka’s brilliant 134-ball 133 reached its end in the 45th over when he was bowled out by Amir.

Pakistan made two changes to the XI that won on Monday. Imam-ul-Haq who hurt the webbing on his hand, has been replaced by Abid. They had also swapped one left-arm spinning allrounder out for another, bringing in Mohammad Nawaz in place of Imad Wasim. Sri Lanka had made three changes. On the batting front, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Oshada Fernando were omitted, with Bhanuka and Angelo Perera replacing them. All-rounder Isuru Udana also made way for left-arm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan.