Liyanage, Hasaranga Power Sri Lanka to 288

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka, in the 2nd ODI against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, came close to posting a competitive total thanks to Janith Liyanage’s half-century and a blazing cameo by Wanindu Hasaranga, gave Sri Lanka a competitive total.

Sri Lanka were dispatched to bat and ended with 288-8 in 50 overs.

The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara gave Sri Lanka a solid start, adding 51 runs in 9.1 overs before a run-out cut short their partnership. Nissanka’s 24 off 31 balls included four boundaries.

The bowlers of Pakistan did not take long to score their mark, with leg-spinning by Abrar Ahmed tearing through the middle order of Sri Lanka.

Mishara was the next to depart, stumped after scoring 27 off 39, including two boundaries. Abrar then took charge, dismissing Kusal Mendis (20) and captain Charith Asalanka (6) in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble at 98/4 by the 22nd over.

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Liyanage tried to steady the ship, adding 61 runs for the fifth wicket, but Haris Rauf got Samarawickrama out for 42 off 52 balls in the 32nd over.

Liyanage remained firm, forming a key partnership of 73 runs with Kamindu Mendis for the 6th wicket. Both were dismissed till 45th over, with Liyanage contributing 54 from 63 balls, including two boundaries and a six, while Kamindu made an aggressive 44 off 38 deliveries, with four fours and two sixes.

Haris Rauf got Dushmantha Chameera in the 45th over, and Sri Lanka was left with 244/8.

Hasaranga provided late resistance, with an unbeaten 37 off 26 balls. Pramod Madushan wasn’t left behind either, contributing 11 not out.

Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf took three wickets each.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pramod Madushan, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando.