Sri Lanka wins ODI

Sri Lanka won the 5th and final One Day International against Pakistan in a dramatic win by two wickets due to the superb batting performance by Angelo Mathews.

The target of 248 was the highest target chased by Sri Lanka in One day internationals against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa stadium. Sri Lanka attained the target in 49.4 overs due to the excellent performance by Angelo Mathews who hit one six and a four in the last over to seal the series win by three to one.

Winning the toss and batting first Pakistan scored 247 runs for seven wickets in their 50 overs. Imran Farhat made the highest score for Pakistan with 56 followed by Umar Akmal 55 not out. Jeewan Mendis and Nuwan Kulasekera took two wickets each. Lasith Malinga and Tissara Perera took one wicket each and there was one run out.

The opening wickets of Sri Lanka collapsed for low scores. Sangakkara made every effort to raise the Sri Lankan score but he was dismissed when he was on 40. Dinesh Chandimal also provided a good contribution to up the Sri Lankan score with 54 runs. Angelo Mathew with composure and determination remained in the wickets making his continuous contribution and scored 80 not out. His performance in the last over of the match was superb which include one six and one four. If not for that performance Sri Lanka would have loss the match.

Mathews was named as the man of the match, while Tissara Perera was named as the man of the series. Both teams will start a 3 test series beginning from June 22nd at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. (niz)..