Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who made his debut in the first T20I against Pakistan, smashed 77 off just 48 to help Sri Lanka to a series win in Lahore.
His knock was studded with six sixes and four fours, and helped carry the tourists to a strong total of 182/6. Shehan Jayasuriya struck 34 to accompany him in a third-wicket stand worth 94, while Danushka Gunathilaka and Dasun Shanaka’s brisk cameos ensure the Sri Lankans started and finished strongly.
Pakistan struggled to get away at the start of the steep chase. One ball into the fourth over they’d lost more wickets than they had scored boundaries, listing at 11/2, and though Sarfaraz Ahmed and Ahmed Shehzad briefly threatened a recovery with a punchy four-over 40-run stand, Wanindu Hasaranga derailed the chase entirely with three wickets in an over.
Shehzad came down the track, missed and was bowled, Umar Akmal suffered a second golden duck in two innings on T20I return, pinned LBW first ball, while Sarfaraz’s attempted cut was ill-advised against a bowler intent on targeting the stumps.
With one game to play, Sri Lanka’s 2-0 lead is unassailable, a remarkable turn-up considering the disparity between the sides’ MRF Tyres T20I Team Rankings. Pakistan’s experimental side hasn’t had the desired effect, while Sri Lanka’s second string have exceeded expectations, and will be hopeful of securing a clean sweep in the third T20I on Wednesday, 9 October.
www.icc-cricket.com
Be the first to comment