Batsman TM Dilshan of Sri Lanka plays a shot during the fifth and final One Day International cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on December 27, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
Sri Lanka pulled off a sensational two-wicket win in the fifth and final day-night international in Abu Dhabi on Friday, but Pakistan still claimed the series, 3-2.
Sri Lanka nervously chased a modest 233-run target with Dinesh Chandimal hitting an unbeaten 64 as Sri Lanka won in 49.4 overs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
For Pakistan, Misbah-ul Haq top-scored with 51 while Mohammad Hafeez and Anwar Ali scored 41 each. Sri Lankan paceman Lasith Malinga took 4-57. There were modest partnerships between all the top six batsmen, but the highest of them, between Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq, was cut short at 58.
At times, Sri Lanka earned a breakthrough, like when Malinga foxed the uncertain Sharjeel Khan into popping a return catch with a slower one. At times, Sri Lanka were fortunate to get a wicket, like when Misbah-ul-Haq nudged Malinga to the wicketkeeper down the leg side.
Pakistan won the first, third and fourth matches while Sri Lanka won the second match. The two teams will now play three Tests, the first starting in Abu Dhabi from Tuesday.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2013.
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