PALLEKELE (Web Desk) – Sri Lanka chased 288-run target in the penultimate over against Pakistan to bag a two-wicket win to level the five-match series 1-1 in Pallekele on Wednesday.
Pakistan, who decided to bat first after winning the toss, scored 287-8 in their 50 overs courtesy Azhar Ali (79), Shoaib Malik (51) and Rizwan Ahmed’s (52) half centuries.
Lasith Malinga and debutante Sachith Pathirana bagged two wickets each for the hosts.
In reply, Sri Lanka were fired to 92 runs in just eight overs by Kusal Perera’s 68 off 25 balls. He hit 13 fours and two sixes in the process.
After Kusal fell, Sri Lanka’s scoring rate went down and at one point they lost the grip of the match but Chandimal and Pathirana (33 off 28 balls) made sure the team went as near the finishing line as possible.
Thisara Perera then helped Chandimal as the hosts chased the target with 11 balls remaining to level the series.
The next match will be played on Sunday July 19.
