Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: In a low scoring match, Afridi's efforts level the series
In a low-scoring game, where key players from Lankan side rested for the sake of World Cup preparations; Pakistan notched up an awesome win to level the series.
 |
| Shahid Afridi celebrating with his team-mates after taking SL wicket |
Mathews, who captained the side in place of Jayawardene lost the toss and was invited by Pakistan to bowl first. Kapudegedera and Udana were the replacement for veterans Jayawardene and Malinga. For Pakistan, Umar Gul was replaced by Yasir Arafat due to his poor performance in previous match.
Adding charms to a T20 game, Sunday was enough to fetch crowd at stadium. Giving reason for major change in Lankan side, it’s strange how a domestic tournament like IPL receiving priority over national duty. Pity on spectators who were cheated by team management to witnessed a high-performance packed show into an average game display.
But for Pakistan, it’s a golden hen to hatch. With non-availability of top batsmen and bowler from opposition side; it would be folly of Hafeez to lose such a worthy chance to make a comeback in the series.
Amidst of this entire saga, proceedings at Hambantota took place. Kulasekara with new ball all set to rock his skipper. Absence of Malinga didn’t reflect in the match as Pakistan was 18/2 after 5 overs – a sigh-of-relief start for Lankans to carry forward.
Pitch of Hambantota, which produce havoc of runs during ODIs – playing T20 on the same venue shuffle the status with heaven of bowlers. Hardly any of Pakistan batsman scored runs except Afridi with steady patience of Hafeez in the top-order to keep an end for room of runs.
After skipper’s departure in 11th over, Afridi took the charge of Pakistan batting; well supported by Malik to rise up the scoreboard. And as a result, A half-century of Afridi (52*) with efforts of Malik (27) led Sri Lanka to chase a sum of 123 runs.
A low scoring match and without a thought, Lankans almost has all chances to seal the series by 2-0. Till 3rd over, everything went in favor of Lanka. Sangakkara, who replaced Mahela as an opener, along with Dilshan provided a steady start.
On the other hand, Pakistan who was looking for a breakthrough grabbed two wickets in 4th over and opens an account towards win. Two setbacks within an over, Lanka badly need real patience from middle order. With experience batsmen on one end, Dilshan and Kapugedera recovered early damage and led score board to 41/3 after 8 overs before the dismissal of Dilshan.
Seeing lack of experience in the Lankan middle order, Pakistan bowlers throw all their efforts to sum up the proceedings. Ajmal from one end with Afridi as spin partner, Lankan batsman give up after their tries. Some handy fours and sixes with regular wickets brought smiles in Pakistan camp.
Mohd. Sami, who is the watchable player of this T20 series, played a huge role towards team win. Two wickets in an over by him followed by equal support from Ajmal and Afridi, Lanka bowled out in 19.2 overs.
The changes made by Lankans in order to try World Cup contenders cost them in such a way that Pakistan rejoiced win with a result of 1-1.
Summarised Scores:
Pakistan 122/6 (Kulasekara 2-13) beat Sri Lanka 99 by 23 runs.
Player of the Match: Shahid Afridi.
