HAMBANTOTA : Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 23 runs in the second Twenty20 International here at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing an easy target of 123, Sri Lanka were bundled out for a mere 99 runs in 19.2 overs as no none of their batsmen could resist against an accurate bowling from Pakistan side.
Fast bowlers Mohammad Sami and Yasir Arafat captured three wickets for 16 and 18, respectively while leg-spinner Shahid Afridi took two wickets for 17 runs.
Afridi was later adjudged the Man-of-the-Match for his impressive allround performance as he smashed an unbeaten 52 from 33 balls with five fours and a six. after his captain Mohammad Hafeez won the toss
He and Shoaib Malik (27) added 68 runs –Pakistan’s highest fifth wicket partnership against Sri Lanka in this format of cricket.
Hafeez also scored a useful 24 whereas other batsmen could not make any significant contribution.
For Sri Lanka, paceman Nuwan Kulasekara and leg-spinner Kaushal Lokuarachchi claimed two wickets each for 13 and 31, respectively.
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene is not playing today and his deputy Angelo Mathews is leading the side.
Fast bowler Lasith Malinga has also been rested Thus, Chamara Kapudegedara and Isuru Udana replaced them
Pakistan made one change, replacing Umar Gul with Yasir Arafat.
Sri Lanka lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first game by 37 runs on Friday.
