Sri Lanka annihilate Pakistan to win ODI series 2-1

Sri Lanka inflicted Pakistan’s heaviest defeat in a limited-overs international on Saturday, winning by 234 runs to clinch the three-match series 2-1. Nuwan Kulasekera claimed 3-17 and Thilan Thushara 3-33 to bowl out Pakistan in just 22.5 overs for its fourth-lowest total of 75.

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 234 runs in the third and final day-night international, winning the three-match series 2-1. AFP

Pakistan’s previous biggest defeat – in terms of runs – was a 224-run loss to Australia in 2002 at Nairobi, Kenya.

Pakistan slumped to 18-6 in the ninth over before Gul hit 27 to save the team from recording its lowest total.

Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan became the only second bowler after former Pakistan quick Wasim Akram (502) to take 500 ODI wickets, finishing with 2-2.

Pakistan won the first match in Karachi by eight wickets before Sri Lanka leveled the series by winning the second by 129 runs.

Courtesy: The Island

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Dilshan powers SL to 2-0 test series win over Bangladesh

Tillakaratne Dilshan gave a superb all-round performance to power Sri Lanka to a record 465-run victory over Bangladesh in the second and final Test here on Tuesday.

Twin-ton Tillekeratne Dilshan celebrating AFP

It was the fifth-largest win by runs in the history of the game. It was also Sri Lanka’s biggest victory in 182 Tests and Bangladesh’s worst defeat in 59 matches since gaining Test status in 2000. Dilshan scored an impressive 143 his second century of the match as the visitors set an improbable 624-run target for the hosts.

Bangladesh were bundled out for 158 in their second innings on the penultimate day to lose the series 2-0.

Dilshan, who picked 4-10 with his part-time spin, was named both man of the match and of the series.

Middle-order batsman Shakib Al Hasan (46) and wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim (43) were the main scorers in a dismal Bangladeshi batting performance lasting just 49.2 overs.

“This is what Test cricket is all about, the guys are showing character,” said Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene of the win, achieved in his 100th Test.

“But you can’t be complacent, you have to try and improve. Dilshan knows how to handle the situation and we’ve encouraged guys to play their own game.”

Dilshan was brilliantly backed by unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis who picked 3-57 to finish with a match haul of seven wickets.

Mendis started the slide when he took three quick wickets in his opening spell, removing opener Imrul Kayes (five), Junaid Siddique (four) and Mohammad Ashraful (seven) to reduce the hosts to 62-5 at the tea break. Pacemen Dilhara Fernando and Chaminda Vaas grabbed a wicket apiece before the 32-year-old Dilshan finished the job in the closing session.

Courtesy:  Daily News

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