Sri Lanka win Colombo thriller

Sri Lanka win Colombo thriller

 

Angelo Mathews was Sri Lanka's hero as they clinched a thriller with a two-wicket win over Pakistan in the final ODI in Colombo to wrap up a 3-1 series success.

After Imran Farhat and Umar Akmal had both registered half-centuries to help Pakistan reach 247 for seven, the hosts were in trouble on 175 for seven in the 41st over.

But all-rounder Mathews kept his side in the hunt and his sensational 80 not out off 76 balls almost single-handedly dragged Sri Lanka over the line with two balls to spare.

It was tough luck on Pakistan, who set a challenging total after winning the toss.

Farhat, who replaced the 'rested' Younus Khan, gave the visitors a steady platform, striking nine fours in his 63-ball 56.

Pakistan were badly let down by their top order, most of whom made steady contributions but none could go on to convert it into a big score, with Azhar Ali making 30, Asad Shafiq 38 and captain Misbah-ul-Haq 32.

The innings was in danger of falling away but Akmal ensured Pakistan reached a competitive total with a well-controlled knock of 55 not out.

Jeevan Mendis returned figures of two for 30 and although Mathews was wicketless in his 10 overs, he did only concede 41 runs.

Sohail Tanvir then bowled openers Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan to leave Sri Lanka wobbling on 19 for two in reply.

Although Kumar Sangakkara and Dinesh Chandimal put on 78 for the third wicket, the latter was stumped off Shahid Afridi, who then took a return catch from Mahela Jayawardene off the very next ball.

Once Chandimal had departed for 54, Sri Lanka appeared to be struggling.

But Mathews kept the score ticking over and despite losing both Thisara Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne to run outs, he kept his nerve.

With 15 runs required from the final over, Pakistan were still favourites but Mathews thumped Mohammad Sami for six over long-on off the second ball and punched a four through point two balls later to spark scenes of jubilation for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara (W), Dinesh Chandimal, Mahela Jayawardena (C), Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Jeewan Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Imran Farhat, Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed (W), Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami