Riding on Babar Azam’s second successive century and Shadab Khan’s all-around brilliance, Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 32 runs in the second ODI in Abu Dhabi. Catch full cricket score of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI here
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI As it Happened
Upul Tharanga’s one-man show goes in vain as Sri Lanka fall 32-run short of Pakistan’s total. The Sri Lankan skipper became the first player from his country to carry his bat through an innings. However, his 15th ODI ton didn’t help Sri Lanka level the series. Pakistan lead 2-0.
A captain’s knock
Upal Tharanga has fought a solo battle here. Wickets have tumbled from the other end, but he has kept the visitors in the chase. A superb inning by the skipper!
Falter again
The 78-run stand between Jeffrey Vandersay and Upal Tharanga had revived Sri Lanka’s chase, but couple of wickets in quick succession has put them on the backfoot again.
Fightback
Upal Tharanga has led a superb fightback in the company of Jeffrey Vandersay. The skipper has built his innings superbly and is inching towards another ODI century. But more importantly, he has brought down the requirement to 63 off 47 balls. The wet outfield has made it difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball. Sarfraz Khan, who has been furious all through the second innings, isn’t making it easy for his young bowlers.
Solo fight
Even as there hasn’t been much support from the other end and spinners have troubled him, Upal Tharanga has fought his way to score his 35th ODI half-century. He is fighting a solo battle here.
And there goes another
Five balls are all that Milinda Siriwardene has managed to survive. He too falls to Shadab Khan. Undone by his wrong ‘un, the southpaw edges the ball to slips. Thisara Perera, who has walked out to bat, can turn the course of the game in quick time. If he stays for too long, he can cause a lot of damage. Sri Lanka need him, as much as they need their skipper Upal Tharanga to bat the distance.
What an innings
Possibly his finest, Babar Azam has brought up a fine century – his seventh in ODIs. It has taken 130 balls, but in conditions that weren’t conducive for batting. He has shown fine application today. The dressing room gives him a standing ovation, and deserving show.
Toss
Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan skipper won the toss and elected to bat. Both teams are playing with unchanged sides.
Teams:
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Upul Tharanga (c), Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Gamage
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk/c), Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Rumman Raees, Junaid Khan
