2nd ODI: Pakistan demolished by Perera

Visitors lose by 77 runs; Sri Lanka level series 1-1.

HAMBANTOTA:

Thisara Perera smashed 65 off 36 balls and then grabbed three wickets as Sri Lanka thumped Pakistan by 77 runs in the second ODI on Tuesday to level the three-match series 1-1.

Sri Lanka recovered from 194-6 to post a commanding 310-9 in their 50 overs after electing to bat, before dismissing Pakistan for 233 in 43.5 overs in the day-night match in Hambantota.

A second-wicket stand of 96 between Ahmed Shehzad (56) and Mohammad Hafeez (62) lifted Pakistan to 114-1 by the 18th over before nine wickets fell for the addition of 119 runs.



Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath removed skipper Misbah-ul Haq (36) and Sohaib Maqsood (9), before Perera ensured a quick finish to the innings by taking the next three wickets.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were reduced to 62-3 when skipper Angelo Mathews (93) and Mahela Jayawardene (67) retrieved the situation by adding 122 for the fourth wicket.

The dismissal of Jayawardene in the 34th over – the first of three wickets in as many overs by Hafeez – saw Sri Lanka collapse from 184-3 to 194-6.

Perera then helped Mathews add 87 off 57 balls for the seventh wicket. He smashed five boundaries and four sixes as the hosts plundered 101 runs in the last 10 overs.

When asked about his approach when he came in to bat he said, “Angelo [Mathews] told me take my time, because we were six wickets down.”

On his bowling, he stated, “First over I don’t know what happened. I knew after that I had to come back strongly.”

Captain Angelo Mathews said that winning the toss and opting to bowl was the most important decision he made, which paid off.

“Winning the toss was crucial,” said Mathews. “The pitch was getting slower and slower as the match went on. We bowled badly in the first 10 overs. After that spinners came into the party and did a good job.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan skipper Misbahul Haq said they had the Sri Lankan innings in control but their death bowling once again let the batsmen off the hook.

“We had them six down and just needed one more wicket but we couldn’t get it,” said Misbah. ( WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM ESPNCRICINFO )

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2014.

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