KNZ NEWS DESK
TANVEER MAGRAY
Upul Tharanga’s solo act didn’t prove enough as Sri Lanka fell 32 runs short of Pakistan’s total to hand the hosts a 2-0 lead in the five-match series in Abu Dhabi. The Sri Lankan skipper rode on his luck of two dropped catches and two favourable reviews to notch up his 15th ODI ton, while the rest of the batsmen failed to keep up in the modest run-chase.
Chasing 220 to win, Sri Lanka’s top order struggled much like Pakistan’s had done. Junaid Khan’s inswinging delivery caught Niroshan Dickwella plumb in front after the visitors got off on a quick note. However, Pakistan’s pacers and spinners used the conditions to their advantage and bowled tight lines and lengths.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 219/9 in 50 overs (Babar Azam 101, Shadab Khan 52*; Lahiru Gamage 4/57, Thisara Perera 2/34) beat Sri Lanka 187 in 48 overs (Upul Tharanga 112*, Jeffrey Vandersay 22; Shadab Khan 3-47) by 32 runs
