Related Links : Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka in UAE 2011/12 : Scorecard of Pak Vs SL, 2nd ODI
Sri Lanka came back strongly to win yesterday’s 2nd ODI at the Dubai International Stadium by 25 runs to level the 5-match series 1-1. Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka batted cautiously to put up a competitive 235 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs.
Opener Upul Tharanga played the sheet anchor’s role for Sri Lanka scoring 77 from 120 balls (with 8 fours). Former Skipper Mahela Jayawardene scored a crucial 50 from 57 balls with 5 fours while the rest of the batsmen failed to get going. For Pakistan, off spinner Saeed Ajmal claimed 3 for 61 in his 10 overs while Shahid Afridi took 2 wickets for just 35 runs in his 10 overs.
Pakistan in their run chase were pegged back at 11 for 3. The innings started to take a shape thanks to a heroic 91 (from 102 balls with 8 fours and a six) from the young Umar Akmal but once he lost his wicket in the 38th over, Sri Lanka came back to finish off the match easily. Pakistan got bowled out for 210 in 46.3 overs with Lasith Malinga taking 3 for 36 in 9 overs. The slinging fast bowler collected the Man of the Match for this effort. He was well complemented by fellow pacers Thisara Perera and Dilhara Fernando who took a couple of wickets each.