Pakistan win series

the one-day series will be played tomorrow.

Butt and Hameed forged Pakistan ahead with an entertaining 98-run stand off 100 deliveries for the second wicket before both fell in successive overs to leg spinner Malinga Bandara.

Bandara had the two caught and bowled to finish with three for 56 off his 10 overs. Butt led with an 81-ball 74 studded with 11 fours, while Hameed hit for 50 off 53 deliveries, including seven boundaries.

Pakistan, who won the first match by five wickets on Friday, consolidated their sound start with the middle and lower order chipping in with useful contributions.

Playing without key players Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Kumara Sangakkara, Sri Lanka also missed the services of Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga. Skipper Mahela Jayawardene led Sri Lanka with 61 off 69 deliveries, including half a dozen fours and a six.

Brief scores

Pakistan: 313 for 9 in 50 overs Butt 74, Hameed 50; Bandara 3/56, Maharoof 3/65 beat Sri Lanka: 215 all out in 39.5 overs Jayawardene 61, Tharanga 48; Afridi 3/37, Sami 2/27.