Aamer and Naved earn Pakistan easy consolation win
A hostile Mohammad Aamer and an inconsistent-but-smart Naved-ul-Hasan meant Sri Lanka just about avoided their worst-ever defeat in a home ODI
A hostile Mohammad Aamer and an inconsistent-but-smart Naved-ul-Hasan meant Sri Lanka just about avoided their worst-ever defeat in a home ODI
The Premadasa lights have really worked for Pakistan. They'll want to take this ground with them wherever they go. Two comprehensive wins in a row and those defeats in the Tests and the three games so far seem a distant memory. They've silenced their critics (particularly the former players) to some extent, all that's required is to perform more consistently, not when the series is already lost. That of course, is easier said than done.
Sri Lanka will probably blame this on complacency. Their batting, which looked so strong, wilted for the second time in succession. Pakistan have done really well to expose their frailties. But it really mystifies me why Aamer wasn't allowed to bowl his final over.
The presentation's started.
Sangakkara: "I thought 280 was a chaseable target and I thought the bowlers did well to keep them to that. It's our fault for not adjusting. Couple of partnerships would've worked. I thought our fast bowlers have stepped up well."
Younis (laughs) : "Day-night games are good for us, morning games, not the case. The pitches weren't bad for batting. We lost those games because we couldn't handle pressure very well. I'm leaving home tomorrow night."
Reminder - Afridi's captaining in the T20 game on Wednesday.
Rana Naved is the Man of the Match. "I'm happy to get another opportunity to play for Pakistan. The morale is high. I'm ok now (after taking that catch in the previous game).
Thilan Thushara is the Man of the Series. "I'm very happy with my bowling."
Thanks for your company today. Do join us for the T20 on Wednesday. It starts at 7pm local time (13.20 GMT). Till then, it's goodbye from all of us here.
BAW Mendis c Misbah-ul-Haq b Shahid Afridi 0 (5m 3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Kumar Sangakkara has played down his theatrical act during the Pakistan innings saying that the umpires were the most competent judges to decide what takes place on the field
Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka's captain, has credited the team's belief in itself as key to breaking a long run of home ODI series defeats
A hostile Mohammad Aamer and an inconsistent-but-smart Naved-ul-Hasan meant Sri Lanka just about avoided their worst-ever defeat in a home ODI