Pakistan routed in series decider

Pakistan succumbed to their lowest one-day score in five years as Sri Lanka coasted to a series-deciding seven-wicket victory in Dambulla.

The tourists were routed for just 102 – their worst total in Sri Lanka in 32.1 overs – as only three players reached double figures.

Sri Lanka chased down the target with massive 178 balls to spare, opener Tillakaratne Dilshan guiding the way with an unbeaten on 50, to win the three-match series 2-1.

Thisara Perera took four lower-order wickets as only Fawad Alam showed any sort of resolve for Pakistan with his 38 not out.

Sri Lanka’s chase was made slightly easier as heavy rain meant the contest was reduced to 48 overs per side and the target was narrowed down to 101.

Dilshan settled into his stride with three crunching fours in the second over as his opening stand with Upul Tharanga put on 46 to all but ensure the win.

Shahid Afridi was one of eight Pakistan batsmen who failed to reach double figures as they were routed for 102 in the series decider

Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene were all dismissed but Dilshan led the way, taking Sri Lanka past their victory target in the 19th over with his ninth four that also brought up his half-century.

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq had elected to bat first, clearly not sensing the implosion to follow.

Dhammika Prasad removed openers Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad, and Pakistan had lost their top three batsmen before the eighth over when Lasith Malinga had Mohammad Hafeez trapped in front by an inswinger that would have gone on to clip leg stump.

Pakistan’s efforts were further undermined when Misbah found himself well short of his ground after attempting a quick single – with Angelo Mathews’ throw from point condemning his opposite number to the third run-out in his past seven innings.

Umar Akmal’s needless slash to mid-on gave Perera the first of his four scalps, while Shahid Afridi fell caught on the off side aiming a big heave off Seekkuge Prasanna.

An hour’s rain delay meant Sri Lanka had to wait to polish off their opponents but there was to be no wag in the tail from Pakistan, with Fawad left stranded following a resolute 73-ball innings that contained three fours.

It was Pakistan’s lowest total in an ODI since they crumpled to 75 all out against the same opposition at Lahore in 2009 and ultimately handed victory to Sri Lanka.

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