 Sri Lanka take on Pakistan in the third ODI of the five-match series and
the action now moves to Colombo.
A clinical win has put Sri Lanka in real contention to challenge Pakistan
in the five-match ODI series with the third ODI to be played on Wednesday. Pakistan
were thoroughly outplayed in all departments of the game and will look to recover
from the shocking display.
Click for Live Score Card of Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan
Sri Lanka deserved full credit for their all-round performance in a much-improved
showing at Hambantota. Tillakaratne Dilshan's century has once again put him
forward as a serious threat to the opposition while Upul Tharanga is
likely to be persisted with at the top of the order.
Kumar Sangakkara's form is a slight sign of worry, but Mahela Jayawardene
will be satisfied overall with the effort his players put in. Thissara Perera's
Man-of-the-Match effort is also likely to have a serious impact on the opposition.
Perera slogged 24 quickfire runs at the death followed by a six-wicket haul that
broke the back of the Pakistan line up.
Pakistan were a completely different side from the one that won the first match.
They will look to improve in the field after shocking fielding performance cost
them heavily, with stumps being missed on many occasions.
The only bright spot from the match was Azhar Ali's application as a one-day player,
though his declining strike rate towards the end of his 96-run knock piled up
the pressure on the teammates.
Rahat Ali, the left-arm paceman, struggled for line and length in his debut
match and may be axed as Pakistan look to find a settled bowling combination.
Captain Misbah ul Haq has expressed hope that they will put up a much
improved showing in order to take the psychological lead.
Shahid Afridi's form will be crucial in their determination to achieve so.
The action will now move to Colombo where the remaining three day-night matches
will be played. The match gets underway at 2.30pm local time.
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