Pakistan grab T20 series, sweep all three rubbers

Published August 2, 2015
Colombo: Pakistani players celebrate after winning the T20 series against Sri Lanka.—Reuters
Colombo: Pakistani players celebrate after winning the T20 series against Sri Lanka.—Reuters

COLOMBO: Pakistan ended their tour of Sri Lanka with a dramatic one-wicket victory in the second Twenty20 on Saturday to complete a 2-0 series win, having also triumphed in the Test and ODI encounters.

The tourists, chasing a target of 173, slumped to 40 for five before a swashbuckling knock from captain Shahid Afridi and a late assault by number nine batsman Anwar Ali saw them home with four balls to spare.

Two wickets in paceman Binura Fernando’s second over and two run-outs meant Pakistan made a woeful start and it took a counter-attack from Afridi to revive their hopes. He smashed four sixes and a four in a 22-ball 45 and added 61 runs in 37 balls with Mohammad Rizwan (17).

Pakistan then lost Rizwan and Afridi in the space of a few deliveries as they were re­duced to 107 for seven but Anwar belted four sixes and three fours in a 17-ball 46, adding 58 for the eighth wic­ket with Imad Wasim (24 not out).

However, there was more drama to unfold as Anwar was caught behind and Sohail Tanvir run out before Wasim hit a six off Fernando to win the match and leave the young Sri Lankan team crestfallen.

Earlier, debutant Shehan Jayasuriya and Chamara Kapugedera led the home team to a total of 172 for seven after they won the toss.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...