PAK v SL, 5th ODI Review: Islanders thumped yet again; Pakistan finish the series on a high

Some brutal fast bowling from Pakistan saw Sri Lanka crumble yet again in the ODI series, getting bowled out for a paltry 102 batting first. These runs were never going to be sufficient to win a game and the visitors failed to salvage any pride in the 5-match series. It was a much-needed boost for Sarfraz Ahmed and his troops, who failed to save their winning record in the Test series.

Batting first, Usman Khan ripped their top order apart and he ensured Sri Lanka never came back into the game. It was fast bowling at its imperious best and the batters could do nothing but dance according to the tunes. Middle-order batsman Samarawickrama was promoted to open and he was dismissed on the fifth ball of the innings by Usman Khan.

The very next ball, Dinesh Chandimal nicked it straight it to the keeper and Sri Lanka was two down inside the first over. Usman Khan was not done there as he came back strong in his next over again. First, he rattled Tharanga’s stumps with an absolute scorcher and followed it up another gem to Niroshan Dickwella. Sri Lanka lost their first four wickets inside 3 overs and the score wasn’t into the double digits as yet.

The next 3 overs progressed without much drama, but Milinda Siriwardana’s lackluster shot towards the cover-point region went straight into Fakhan Zaman’s hands and Usman Khan had completed his first five-wicket haul in International cricket. He did it in some style and the lad was palpably ecstatic.

Lahiru Thirimanne fought hard, but his battle lasted a mere 7 overs. It was the top-ranked ODI bowler Hasan Ali who got the sixth wicket in the innings as he found the southpaw’s shin edge, going into the keeper’s hands. Thisara Perera and Vandersay got a little partnership going on, but that only helped them eclipse the 100-run mark.

Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali wasted no time in picking up the final few wickets as the Lankan Lions were dismissed for 103 in 26.2 overs. Perera’s 25 off 29 balls was the highest individual score in the innings. Usman Khan returned with figures of 5/34 in 7 overs and what a huge boost this is for the 23-year-old, who is playing just his second International match of his career.

A walk in the park for the openers

Fakhar Zaman was getting starts in the series but failed to notch a big knock from his willow. He came up with a decent show on Monday as the openers danced their towards the finish line. Imam-ul-Haq, who registered a century on debut a few days ago, added a fantastic opening stand with Zaman and both these southpaws are looking to form a formidable opening combination.

Dropping Lahiru Gamage came in as a huge surprise for the fans as he was their best bowler in the series. His replacement Vishwa Fernando did no great damage and both Zaman and Imam lashed hard at him in the Powerplay. Just after the Powerplay, the pair added 50 runs together and it was a treat watching two youngsters ease their way towards their target.

Fakhar Zaman fell just short of his half-century, but registered a quick-fire 48 off 47 balls. He also added 84 runs for the first wicket with his new partner. Fahim Ashraf was promoted up the order to finish the game off and both the players did exactly the same. Imam-ul-Haq finished with 45 off 64 balls as Pakistan won the game by 9 wickets with over 29 overs to spare.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 103 all out in 26.2 overs (Thisara Perera 28; Usman Khan 5/34, Hasan Ali 2/19, Shadab Khan 2/24)

Pakistan:105/1 in 20.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 58, Imam-ul-Haq 45*)

Man of the match: Usman Khan