Sri Lanka clinched the three-match T20I series against Pakistan after beating them by 35 runs in Lahore on Monday. Batting first, Sri Lanka compiled a total of 182/6 in 20 overs after Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored 77 off 48.
In reply, Pakistan lost early wickets and were left tottering at 52/5 when Imad Wasim and Asif Ali resisted for their side. The two put a partnership of 55 runs for the sixth wicket before Wasim departed. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 147.
WHO SAID WHAT?
Rajapaksa, Man of the Match: I don’t think it’s an easy task to come to Pakistan and beat the no.1 T20I side. But I got good encouragement from the coaching staff and support staff. It means a lot to me to contribute to beating the world’s no.1 T20I side.
Sarfaraz, losing captain: I don’t think we played good cricket in both games in any of the departments. We will need to rethink about our bowling strategies and also be sharper on the field. A couple of key run out chances were missed. With the bat, we lost too many wickets in the first 10 overs and from there, it’s always a tough ask. Boys are trying hard, so can’t be too harsh on them, hopefully they’ll learn from this. If we don’t get wickets in the middle overs, it will hurt in the shorter formats. Rajapaksa and Jayasuriya played brilliantly. (On the recall of certain discarded players, indirectly mentioning Akmal and Shehzad) If you look at their domestic performances, they’ve been really well and deserved an opportunity.
Shanaka, winning captain: We played some quality cricket and that’s why we got these results. Rajapaksa played a masterclass innings. We had a plan and did well to stick to it. These youngsters should get more chances after this tour but there are senior players as well. It’s upto the selectors.
