Journalism of Courage
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka in Pakistan 3 T20I Series 2019, 2nd T20I - Live Commentary and Ball by Ball Updates
02
nd Innings
Pakistan
That is it from this game. Sri Lanka have turned the tables and have sealed the 3-match series 2-0. They would now be looking to whitewash the best side in T20Is in their own backyard. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about and will play for pride in the 3rd and final T20I of the series. That match will be played at the very same venue on Wednesday, 9th October. That match will begin at 1830 Local (1330 GMT). Join us for that one. Till then, cheers!
Victorious Sri Lankan skipper comes for the interview. Shanaka says they played some quality cricket and hence they were able to achieve the result. Credits Rajapaksa for his brilliant innings and adds he had good support out in the middle. Shanaka hopes that the youngsters to get more chances after the series but he also says that he is aware of the senior players coming back.
Pakistan skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed is up next for the interview. Sarfaraz admits that they did not play well and were second best to Sri Lanka. Adds they need to look at themselves and feels there were moments in all three departments which saw them wanting. On the poor bowling performance in the series, he says that they tried hard but were not able to execute their plans. Takes out young Mohammad Hasnain as a positive. Sarfaraz feels they were unable to take wickets in the middle overs and that hurt them. On the reason for former players being called up again, Sarfaraz tells that they had performed really well and deserved their call ups.
For his magnificent 77 off 48 balls, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been named the Man of the Match. Rajapaksa says that initially he had to pace his innings. Admits it is not easy to come to Pakistan and win a series but credits the coaching staff for helping them. Tells he was just happy to be in the side and it is a real joy to defeat the No.1 side in T20Is
Stay tuned for the presentation.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka posted a mammoth total of 183 courtesy of brilliant 77 from Bhanuka Rajapaksa and cameos from Shanaka and Jayasuriya. The total was too good for the visitors to chase down. Imad Wasim was the pick of the bowler for Pakistan picking up a wicket and conceding just 27 runs.
It was a collective effort from the Sri Lankan bowlers. Wanindu Hasaranga was expensive but his 3 wickets in one over made the target a lot more difficult for the hosts. But the real star with the ball was Nuwan Pradeep who held his nerve and showed his class. His 4/25 ensured that even though there was a fight back from Imad and Asif Ali it was not enough. Udana and Rajitha had two wickets and one respectively.
Needing 183, Pakistan got off to a terrible start losing both their openers inside the first 4 overs. The hosts tried to find stability with their skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed taking the aggressor's role. But 3 wickets in one over from Wanindu Hasaranga looked to have killed the tie. Imad Wasim and Asif Ali though had other ideas. The duo added 75 runs but the task in hand was too much as once Imad fell owing to the scoreboard pressure, it was just out of reach for Pakistan's lower order to get and in the end they fell short by 35 runs.
Stop the press! Sri Lanka have broken the duck. They have got their first series win against Pakistan in T20Is. The Sri Lankan players are up in joy.
18.6
W
Nuwan Pradeep to Mohammad Hasnain, OUT! CAUGHT BY WANINDU HASARANGA AND SRI LANKA HAVE WON THE SERIES! Good length ball on middle and leg, Hasnain looks to hoick this one over the long on fielder. However, he cannot get the timing he desired and the fielder in the deep, Wanindu Hasaranga takes an easy catch. This young group of Sri Lankan players have played in fantastic fashion as they gain an unassailable lead in this series.
18.5
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Mohammad Amir, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
18.4
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Mohammad Hasnain, Full ball angling in, Hasnain looks to smash it but the ball goes off the inside edge towards the fine leg fielder. The batters take one.
Mohammad Hasnain is the last man in.
18.3
W
Nuwan Pradeep to Asif Ali, OUT! TIMBER! Sri Lanka one wicket away from winning the series now! Full ball, slower one from back of the hand just outside off, it nips back in. Ali looks to heave it towards long on but misses. However, Pradeep hits the off pole and Asif Ali has to take the long walk back.
18.2
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Asif Ali, Full ball around off, driven towards the mid off region. No runs taken.
18.1
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Asif Ali, Full ball angling into the batsman, he looks to heave it towards the on side but misses to get hit on the pads.
18
over
18 | 9 Runs | HH: 145/8
17.6
0
Isuru Udana to Mohammad Amir, Fuller on off, Amir pushes it towards cover. 38 needed off 12 balls now.
17.5
4
Isuru Udana to Mohammad Amir, FOUR! Amir showing his skills with the bat here. Length delivery outside off, Amir thwacks it through covers with little to no foot movement for a boundary.
17.4
1
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, Full outside off, Asif looks to play the paddle but the ball goes to the on side off his pad for a leg bye.
17.3
0
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, High full toss but the square leg umpire is happy. It is outside off, Asif swings his bat but gets nothing on it. He looks at the square leg umpire hoping to get a no ball but the umpire signals nothing.
17.2
4
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, FOUR! Asif Ali will have to do it by himself here. Fuller on middle and leg, Asif paddles it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
Mohammad Amir is the new man in.
17.1
W
Isuru Udana to Shadab Khan, OUT! Caught! 47 were needed in 18 balls. Shadab had no choice but to go after it from ball one. He tries to do just that but gets nothing on it. Full ball on off, Shadab looks to go over covers but ends up slicing it high in the air and straight to Shanaka.
Shadab Khan walks out now.
17
over
17 | 9 Runs | HH: 136/7
16.6
W
Nuwan Pradeep to Wahab Riaz, OUT! CAUGHT! Wahab Riaz departs and things looking bleak for Pakistan now. Fullish on middle and leg, Riaz looks to scoop it over short fine leg but he gets just the top edge on it. The ball goes high up in the air, towards Minod Bhanuka, the keeper. He settles under it and takes an easy catch. Pakistan 7 down now.
16.5
2
Nuwan Pradeep to Wahab Riaz, On the pads, Riaz flicks it towards mid-wicket for a couple.
16.4
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Wahab Riaz, FOUR! Fabulous improvisation! Nuwan Pradeep misses his mark this time, bowls a full toss. Riaz opens the face of his bat and guides it over the short third man fielder for a boundary.
16.3
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Asif Ali, Third yorker in a row, Ali jams this one out towards long on again for a single.
16.2
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Wahab Riaz, Beautiful bowling! Consecutive yorkers! This time on middle, Wahab Riaz jams this one at the last second towards long on for a single.
16.1
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Asif Ali, Yorker on the leg pole line, Ali jams it out towards long on and the batters take one.
Nuwan Pradeep is back. 2-0-14-1, his figures so far.
16
over
16 | 10 Runs | HH: 127/6
15.6
0
Isuru Udana to Wahab Riaz, Excellent end to the over. Full and straight outside off. Wahab looks to play it but misses. 10 off the over but more importantly the big wicket of Imad Wasim.
The new man in is Wahab Riaz. He can hit the long ball too.
15.5
W
Isuru Udana to Imad Wasim, OUT! LBW! Udana has the last laugh and the fans have gone silent once again. Udana shows courage and bowls it full, fast and straight on off. Imad looks to play the sweep once again but this time he misses. The ball hits him on the pad. The Sri Lankan players put in an appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Pakistan has no review left so Imad has to walk back. But what an innings this was from Imad. The game was gone but he has managed to keep his side in the hunt. 56 runs more needed though. Can Pakistan still get it?
15.4
4
Isuru Udana to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Back to back boundaries. Imad is playing a gem here. Good length ball outside off, Imad gets down on one knee and sweeps it from outside off towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
15.3
4
Isuru Udana to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Brilliant execution. Slower ball outside off, Imad sees that the fine leg is up so he just lofts it over the man and fetches himself a boundary.
15.2
1
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, Full and straight outside off, Asif Ali manages to squeeze it towards long off for a run.
15.1
1
Isuru Udana to Imad Wasim, Slower ball on a length. It is on top of middle and off, Imad punches it with power to sweeper cover for one.
15
over
15 | 7 Runs | HH: 117/5
14.6
1
Kasun Rajitha to Imad Wasim, Fuller on the stumps, Imad sweeps it with power to deep square leg for a single. 66 needed off 30 balls.
14.5
1
Kasun Rajitha to Asif Ali, Pradeep is a lucky man. He serves a full toss on the pads. Asif looks to take the full toll of it but misses. The ball hits high on his thigh pad and goes to the on side. They take a leg bye.
14.4
1
Kasun Rajitha to Imad Wasim, Good length ball on off, Imad punches it towards cover for one.
14.3
4
Kasun Rajitha to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Imad continues his onslaught. Slightly overpitched on off, Imad swings his bat at it and smashes it through mid off for a boundary.
14.2
0
Kasun Rajitha to Imad Wasim, Full on off, Imad drives it wide of extra cover. Shanaka there dives and saves runs for his side.
14.1
0
Kasun Rajitha to Imad Wasim, Smart bowling. Slower ball down the leg side. Imad moves early to play the paddle and that is why Pradeep delivers there. Not a wide as Imad was moving.
Kasun Rajitha is back on.
14
over
14 | 12 Runs | HH: 110/5
13.6
2
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, Full and on off, Asif Ali pushes this one towards long off with ease. They are looking to take just the single but the fielder there fumbles and the Pakistani batters are quick to pounce on that as they snatch a second.
13.5
2
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, Fabulous fielding in the deep! Full ball wide outside off, Ali creams it towards the cover region. The ball is racing to the fence but Wanindu Hasaranga at sweeper cover makes a diving stop to his right to keep the ball in play. It looked like a certain boundary but he has saved two runs for his side. However, Asif Ali makes up ground, puts in a dive and gets his bat in before the keeper dislodges the bails.
13.4
0
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, Yorker outside off, Ali looks to jam it out but misses it as the ball carries to the keeper.
13.4
1
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, Wide! The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. The umpire has signalled a wide.
13.3
2
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, NOT OUT! Ali puts in the dive and that has saved him! Another full ball outside off, Ali looks to loft it towards the off side but does not time it well. It falls between cover and sweeper cover, in no man's land. The fielder there picks it up and throws it towards the keeper's end. Ali did not expect such a strong throw and was slow in reacting.
Run Out appeal taken upstairs. Asif Ali is the man in question. He looks confident and the Sri Lankan players are not. Let us see what the replays have to say.
13.2
4
Isuru Udana to Asif Ali, FOUR! Up and over again! Full length ball outside off, Asif Ali makes room and smashes this one over mid off for a boundary. 50-run stand up between these two and they are the ones who have kept Pakistan in the contest.
13.1
1
Isuru Udana to Imad Wasim, Fuller ball on off, Wasim pushes this one off the inside half of his bat towards long on for one.
Isuru Udana is back on.
13
over
13 | 10 Runs | HH: 98/5
12.6
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, The batsman has driven it through mid on. One run added to the total. The hosts need 85 from 42 to keep this series alive.
12.5
4
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Didn't time it that well but still gets a boundary! Full and floated outside off, Wasim smashes this one towards the long on region. It is wide of the fielder there and it goes into the fence.
12.4
2
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Another one on the pads, Wasim flicks this one towards mid-wicket and takes a couple.
12.3
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, Ali comes down the track and pushes this one towards mid-wicket for a single. He does not time that properly and hence just one.
12.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Outside off, shorter one. Wasim cuts this one towards point for a single.
12.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, On the pads, Ali flicks this one towards square leg for a single.
12
over
12 | 11 Runs | HH: 88/5
11.6
0
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
11.5
4
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Glorious shot! Full and floated outside off, Wasim drives this one through the cover region for a boundary.
11.4
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Asif Ali, Fuller one on off, pushed through mid on for a single.
11.3
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, Full and floated outside off, Wasim strikes this one off the front foot uppishly towards long off but on the bounce. The batters take up a single.
11.2
4
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Brute power. Floated on middle and leg, Imad plays a powerful short arm jab over the bowler's head and wide of long on for a boundary.
11.1
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Asif Ali, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
11
over
11 | 9 Runs | HH: 77/5
10.6
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Takes the pace off this one and flights it on off, Imad looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards mid off.
10.5
4
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Smacked away! Straighter one on off, Imad smashes it over mid on for a boundary.
10.4
2
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Gives this one air on off, Imad drives it wide of sweeper cover for a couple.
10.3
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, Floats one on off, Asif comes down the track and manages to just hit to long off for another single.
10.2
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, Shorter on off, Asif blocks it off his back foot.
10.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Shorter outside off, Imad punches it towards long off for one.
10.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, WIDE! Sandakan misses his line and sprays one down the leg side. Imad goes for the flick but misses.
10
over
10 | 7 Runs | HH: 68/5
9.6
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, Outside off, short ball. Wasim cuts this one towards sweeper cover and takes a single.
9.5
4
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, FOUR! Short of a length delivery outside off, Wasim rocks back and cuts it through point for a boundary.
9.4
0
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
9.3
0
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, Pushed through outside off, stabbed back to the bowler by Wasim.
9.2
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Asif Ali, Driven towards the mid on region. One run added to the total.
9.1
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Imad Wasim, Had Minod hit there, Ali was a goner. Hasaranga floats this one on off, Wasim pushes this one towards the leg side close to the pitch and sets off for a single. Ali obliges and starts to run towards the keeper's end but he is always in danger as it is a very risky run. Minod Bhanuka, the keeper, is the first one to reach to the ball. He turns and has a shy at the stumps from very close range but misses. Replays show that Asif Ali was not even in the frame and he had been well short. Will this prove to be a costly miss?
9
over
9 | 9 Runs | HH: 61/5
8.6
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, Shortish on middle and off, Ali blocks this one out off the back foot.
8.5
4
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, FOUR! Bad bowling from the other end! Short and wide outside off, Ali cuts this one with power through the man at point.
8.5
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, Wide! This time Sandakan goes way wide and Ali makes the leave. The umpire signals a wide.
8.4
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, Asif Ali has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
8.3
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Full and floated on off, the batter pushes it towards mid off and takes a single.
8.2
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Floated on middle and off, Wasim has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
8.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Wide! Another one! That may have grazed the pads but the umpire does not think so. Wide signalled.
8.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Imad Wasim, Wide! Way down the leg side, wide signalled by the umpire.
8.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Asif Ali, Fuller one on the pads, pushed towards mid-wicket and the batters take a quick single.
Imad Wasim is the next man in for the hosts.
8
over
8 | 7 Runs | HH: 52/5
7.6
W
Wanindu Hasaranga to Sarfaraz Ahmed, OUT! Cleaned 'em. Third wicket in the over and this has completely changed the tide of this game. The wrong 'un has once again done the right thing for Sri Lanka and Wanindu Hasaranga. It is once again short and it turns back in with venom. Sarfaraz looks to cut but he is too late as the ball goes onto rattle the middle stump. The Pakistan skipper was looking so good out in the middle but he too has to walks back. What a brilliant over from Wanindu! 7 runs and 3 wickets. Yes 3! This over has almost killed the game and the series here.
7.5
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Asif Ali, No hat-trick. A very poor ball. It is a drag down from Wanindu. Asif pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Asif Ali walks out to face the hat-trick ball.
7.4
W
Wanindu Hasaranga to Umar Akmal, OUT! LBW! Two in two for Wanindu. Brilliant decision from Aleem Dar. 10th duck in T20Is for Umar Akmal and he now has the joint most ducks in T20Is. Wrong 'un from Hasaranga. It is short and pitching on off, Akmal looks to play the late cut but the ball viciously spins in. He looks to have hit it but the Lankan players put in a huge appeal. The umpire takes his time and then slowly raises his finger. Umar Akmal is confident though that it did not kiss his pad and he takes it upstairs. Replay rolls in and Ultra Edge shows that the ball just about kisses the back pad before hitting the bat. Hawk Eye then rolls in and it shows all reds. Wanindu Hasaranga on a hat-trick now.
LBW appeal taken upstairs. Umar Akmal is the man in question. Will he get another golden duck? If it is hitting the pad first then Umar is out of here.
Umar Akmal is the new man in.
7.3
W
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ahmed Shehzad, OUT! TIMBER! Bamboozled by Wanindu Hasaranga! Shehzad again comes down the track as Wanindu floats this one just outside off, it was the wrong 'un and Shehzad is beaten all ends up. The ball spins back in as he completely misreads it and shatters the stumps behind. Takes the long walk back to the pavilion.
7.2
6
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ahmed Shehzad, SIX! Shehzad joins in on the act! Comes down the track to this floated one, gets to the pitch of the ball and smashes this one down the ground for a maximum.
7.1
0
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ahmed Shehzad, Shortish outside off, cut to the man at point.
7
over
7 | 5 Runs | HH: 45/2
6.6
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ahmed Shehzad, Shehzad gets to the pitch of the ball and connects as he pushes this one towards long off. One run added to the total.
6.5
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Punched down towards long on off the back foot for a single.
6.4
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ahmed Shehzad, Shehzad dances down the track and pushes this one towards long on for a single.
6.3
0
Lakshan Sandakan to Ahmed Shehzad, Defends this one back towards the bowler.
6.2
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sarfaraz pushes this one towards square leg and takes a single.
6.1
1
Lakshan Sandakan to Ahmed Shehzad, Shehzad pushes this floated one towards cover off the front foot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan is into the attack.
6
over
6 | 13 Runs | HH: 40/2
5.6
0
Wanindu Hasaranga to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shortish on middle and off, Sarfaraz punches it off the back foot towards the bowler.
5.5
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ahmed Shehzad, Full and floated on middle, Shehzad pushes this one towards mid on and takes a single.
5.4
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sarfaraz drives this through the covers. One run added to the total.
5.3
6
Wanindu Hasaranga to Sarfaraz Ahmed, SIX! Sarfaraz taking the attack to the opposition now. Again floated on middle and leg, Sarfaraz clears his front leg and goes straight over the bowler's head for a biggie.
5.2
4
Wanindu Hasaranga to Sarfaraz Ahmed, FOUR! Up and over this time! Floated ball on middle and leg, Sarfaraz hits this one over the mid on fielder and it goes into the fence.
5.1
1
Wanindu Hasaranga to Ahmed Shehzad, Shehzad pushes this one towards mid off and takes a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga is into the attack now.
5
over
5 | 8 Runs | HH: 27/2
4.6
2
Isuru Udana to Sarfaraz Ahmed, On the pads, Sarfaraz glances it behind square on the leg side and gets a couple.
4.5
1
Isuru Udana to Ahmed Shehzad, Length delivery on off, Shehzad pushes it towards mid off and gets to the other end.
4.4
1
Isuru Udana to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Direct hit and it would have been close. Good length ball on off, Sarfaraz plays it with soft hands towards backward point and calls for a quick single. Wanindu has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Had he hit Shehzad would have been in all kind of troubles.
4.3
0
Isuru Udana to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Follows it up with a gentle push towards cover.
4.2
4
Isuru Udana to Sarfaraz Ahmed, FOUR! Slower ball but it has gone wrong here. It is full and down the leg side. Sarfaraz is strong square of the wicket on the leg side and he flicks it with ease through square leg for a boundary. His second of the game already and he looks to be in the mood.
4.1
0
Isuru Udana to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Starts with a scrambled seam ball. It is on a length on off and middle, Sarfaraz defends it towards cover.
Isuru Udana is on now.
4
over
4 | 8 Runs | HH: 19/2
3.6
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Fuller one on middle and leg, Sarfaraz pushes this one with soft hands towards mid on and takes a single.
3.5
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Length ball outside off, Sarfaraz edges that one but it goes on the bounce to the keeper.
3.4
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Ahmed Shehzad, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
3.4
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Ahmed Shehzad, Wide! Down the leg side, the batter looks to flick but misses.
3.3
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Sarfaraz Ahmed, Fuller ball on off, Ahmed looks to go for the cover drive but it goes off the edge towards third man on the bounce. The batters take one.
3.2
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Sarfaraz Ahmed, FOUR! Sarfaraz cuts this one with ease and gets off the mark. Length ball outside off, Sarfaraz cuts it towards point and the ball races to the fence.
Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed walks out at number 4.
3.1
W
Nuwan Pradeep to Babar Azam, OUT! TIMBER! Two down now and the main man for Pakistan, Babar Azam departs! Good length ball, jagging back in with the angle. Azam looks to play it straight but gets a thick inside edge onto the pads. The ball then goes onto disturb the stumps. Big, big blow for Pakistan. There is a stunned silence here in Lahore. Only the Sri Lankan fans can be heard. Pakistan in deep waters here. They need 172 runs more to win.
3
over
3 | 2 Runs | HH: 11/1
2.6
0
Kasun Rajitha to Ahmed Shehzad, Length ball on middle and leg, Shehzad pushes this off the back foot towards mid on.
2.5
0
Kasun Rajitha to Ahmed Shehzad, On the pads of Shehzad, he flicks it towards the leg side but straight to the man.
2.4
0
Kasun Rajitha to Ahmed Shehzad, Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot by the batsman.
2.4
1
Kasun Rajitha to Ahmed Shehzad, Wide! Down the leg side again, Shehzad looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled.
2.3
0
Kasun Rajitha to Ahmed Shehzad, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
2.2
0
Kasun Rajitha to Ahmed Shehzad, On middle and leg, Shehzad tries to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. The Sri Lankan players put in a loud appeal but the umpire is unmoved. They opt against going for the review.
2.2
1
Kasun Rajitha to Ahmed Shehzad, Wide! The ball is down the leg side but Shehzad still goes after it. The umpire signals a wide.
Ahmed Shehzad walks out at number 3.
2.1
W
Kasun Rajitha to Fakhar Zaman, OUT! CHOPPED ON! What has Zaman done here! Trying to be cheeky which is really not his game. Rajitha bowls a yorker outside off, Fakhar looks to get outside the line and paddle scoop it behind towards the fine leg region. The ball hits his left boot and goes on to hit the stumps to dislodge the bails. Pakistan lose their first wicket and it is a huge body blow to them.
2
over
2 | 6 Runs | HH: 9/0
1.6
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Babar Azam, Still no freebies to Babar. Good length ball closer to the body, Babar taps it back to the bowler.
1.5
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Babar Azam, Very good ball. Full outside off, Pradeep makes it seam back in. Babar looks to play it on the off side but gets beaten.
1.4
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Fakhar Zaman, Full on the pads, Zaman glances it towards square leg and gets to the other end.
1.3
4
Nuwan Pradeep to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! First one off the innings and it has come off Zaman's bat. Full on middle and leg, Fakhar plays it uppishly wide of mid on for a boundary. If Pakistan are to win this he will need to play a vital role.
1.2
1
Nuwan Pradeep to Babar Azam, Good length ball on off, Azam looks to drive it on the up but the ball takes the inside edge and goes towards cover off the pads. Azam calls for the single and gets it as the fielder misses his shy at the stumps at the bowler's end.
1.1
0
Nuwan Pradeep to Babar Azam, Length ball outside off to start with. Babar punches it to cover but not off the middle.
Nuwan Pradeep to bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 3 Runs | HH: 3/0
0.6
1
Kasun Rajitha to Babar Azam, Excellent delivery. A very low full toss, almost a yorker. Babar strokes it off the lower half of his bat towards mid on and keeps the strike. Solid start from Sri Lanka. 3/0 after the first.
0.5
0
Kasun Rajitha to Babar Azam, Back of the hand slower ball on off, Babar strokes it towards mid off. Smart bowling this.
0.4
0
Kasun Rajitha to Babar Azam, On the pads, Azam looks to flick but the ball hits him high on the thigh pad.
0.3
1
Kasun Rajitha to Fakhar Zaman, Fakhar is off the mark. Full and wide outside off, Zaman strokes it towards third man for a single.
0.2
1
Kasun Rajitha to Babar Azam, Misfield and Pakistan are off the mark. Fuller on off, Babar pushes it wide of the man at mid off. Udana there takes it too lightly and ends up misfielding it allowing them to take a run.
0.1
0
Kasun Rajitha to Babar Azam, Rajitha starts with a good length ball on off. It comes onto the bat nicely as Babar punches it off his back foot. The man at point dives to his right and saves runs for his side.
We are back for the chase. Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam walk out in pursuit of the Sri Lankan total. The Sri Lankan team is out in a huddle. Kasun Rajitha to start for the visitors with the ball.
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01
st Innings
Sri Lanka
So 183 is the target for Pakistan to get if they are to keep this series alive. This would be the second-highest run chase by the Men in Green in T20Is if they manage to get it. Can they achieve it? Join us after the break to find out.
The evening started off so well for the hosts with the ball but they were not ready for what was to arrive. There was not much to talk about in terms of Pakistan bowlers' performance. Imad was the pick of the lot picking up a wicket and the only bowler to have an economy of under 7. All the other bowlers ended with an economy of over 7.5.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa - Remember the name! It was a king-like batting performance from him. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat and they got off to a very poor start, losing both the openers inside the first 6 overs. It looked like the Lankan batting would succumb under pressure but Rajapaksa and Jayasuriya had other ideas. Bhanuka played the role of an aggressor and Shehan played the role of the anchor. The duo added 94 courtesy of some crisp hitting from Rajapaksa. He looked in the mood tonight and was unfortunate to miss out on a well-deserved ton. But once the partnership broke, Sri Lanka lost two more quick wickets and it looked like Pakistan would make a comeback and restrict the visitors to under 170 but a cameo in the end from the skipper, Dasun Shanaka has taken them to a huge total of 182.
14 runs off the last over and 47 off the last 5 has seen Sri Lanka reach a brilliant total of 182.
19.6
0
Mohammad Hasnain to Dasun Shanaka, Length ball, slower one outside off, Shanaka looks to cut but misses. The batters look to steal a bye but are unable to do so. Sri Lanka end on 182/6.
19.5
6
Mohammad Hasnain to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! Full and on off, Shanaka powers this one straight over the bowler's head, into the sight screen for a maximum. Shanaka, the skipper, with some superb power-hitting here.
19.4
4
Mohammad Hasnain to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! Risky but it does not matter. Very full down the leg side. Shanaka premeditates the paddle. It takes the bottom edge and goes fine down the leg side for a boundary.
19.3
2
Mohammad Hasnain to Dasun Shanaka, Good running. Full and wide outside off, Shanaka hits it wide of deep point and calls for two straightaway. Wanindu responds and he gets it with ease as the throw is a poor one.
19.2
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Wanindu Hasaranga, Full toss but it is not punished. It is on off, Wanindu manages to hit it towards long off for just one.
19.1
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Dasun Shanaka, Fast and full on the pads, Shanaka looks to flick but the ball goes off the pads down the leg side for a leg bye.
Mohammad Hasnain to bowl the final over.
19
over
19 | 13 Runs |
HH: 168/6
18.6
1
Mohammad Amir to Dasun Shanaka, On the pads, Shanaka has flicked this one towards fine leg for a single.
18.6
1
Mohammad Amir to Dasun Shanaka, Wide! Down the leg side, Shanaka looks to flick this one but misses it. The umpire has signalled a wide.
18.5
4
Mohammad Amir to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! Short ball on middle and leg, Shanaka pulls this one powerfully towards backward square leg for a boundary. Some very useful runs for Sri Lanka here.
18.4
1
Mohammad Amir to Wanindu Hasaranga, On the pads, Hasaranga flicks this one uppishly towards mid-wicket again. Amir gives a shout to catch it but no man there. The batters take one as the fielder in the deep mops it up.
18.3
1
Mohammad Amir to Dasun Shanaka, Length ball on off, Shanaka looks to hoick it towards the off side but it comes off the top half and goes towards long on. The fielder in the deep tries to run towards it and catch it but it falls well short. The batters take one.
18.2
0
Mohammad Amir to Dasun Shanaka, Short of a length ball down the leg side, Shanaka looks to glance this one down the leg side but the ball hits his hand and it goes towards the keeper.
18.1
4
Mohammad Amir to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! On the pads, Shanaka flicks this one elegantly towards square leg, in the gap and gets a boundary.
18.1
1
Mohammad Amir to Dasun Shanaka, Wide! Down the leg side, Shanaka looks to flick but misses. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Mohammad Amir to bowl the penultimate over of the innings. 3-0-27-0, his figures so far.
The new man in is Wanindu Hasaranga.
18
over
18 | 8 Runs |
HH: 155/6
17.6
W
Wahab Riaz to Isuru Udana, OUT! TIMBER! That went like a tracer bullet on it's way to dislodging the stumps! Riaz bowls this one on the leg pole line, swinging away from Udana. He looks to smash it down the ground but misses it completely and the stumps behind him are shattered. Another one down for the Lankans and they look to be losing momentum.
17.5
0
Wahab Riaz to Isuru Udana, Another shorter one, Udana looks to hook but misses this one completely.
17.4
1
Wahab Riaz to Dasun Shanaka, Short ball on middle and leg, Shanaka goes for the pull but does not time it well. It goes towards the deep square leg region and the batters take one.
17.3
1
Wahab Riaz to Isuru Udana, Corker of a yorker this one and Udana does well to dig it out. It goes towards mid off and the batters take one.
17.2
4
Wahab Riaz to Isuru Udana, FOUR! Short of a length ball on middle and off, Udana makes room and smashes this one over the mid on fielder for a boundary which goes on the bounce and into the fence.
17.1
2
Wahab Riaz to Isuru Udana, Full ball outside off, Udana looks to flick it towards the leg side but it goes off the leading edge towards third man for a couple of runs.
17
over
17 | 5 Runs |
HH: 147/5
16.6
1
Shadab Khan to Isuru Udana, Floated on off, Udana drives it towards cover and keeps the strike.
16.5
1
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, Flighted on off, Shanaka milks it to long off and gets to the other end.
Isuru Udana walks out to bat now. He is no slouch with the bat and can hit it to long distances.
16.4
W
Shadab Khan to Minod Bhanuka, OUT! Run Out! Another run out of the innings. Third one to be precise. Sri Lanka kind of losing the ploy here at the end. Flighted on off, Minod drives it to the left of mid off. Wahab Riaz there dives on that side and makes a magnificent stop. Riaz follows it up with a throw to the left of Shadab. Khan gathers the ball and takes off the bails. Bhanuka who was looking for a quick run is well short of his crease.
16.3
1
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, Floated on middle, Shanaka nudges it to long on and takes a single.
16.2
2
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, On the pads, Shanaka glances it towards mid-wicket and gets a couple.
Minod Bhanuka walks out to bat now.
16.1
W
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, OUT! Rajapaksa holes out! What a knock though. He walks out having played a gem of a knock and the crowd here know it. Shadab bowls a flatter one outside off, Rajapaksa moves away from the stump and looks to go over the man at point. He gets the height but not the distance and it goes straight to the man in the deep. Fakhar Zaman in the deep makes no mistake and takes a simple catch. Kudos to Bhanuka. He came in at a tough time but walks back after a gem of a knock.
Shadab Khan is back on.
16
over
16 | 7 Runs |
HH: 142/3
15.6
0
Wahab Riaz to Dasun Shanaka, Short ball this time, Shanaka looks to pull but misses.
The physio is out to have a look at Rajapaksa who has been hit hard on his leg.
15.5
1
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Good length ball coming into the batter, it has taken the inside edge of the batsman and thudded into his pads. The batsmen take a quick single.
15.4
4
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! Fuller one outside off, Bhanuka gets down on one knee and creams this one through covers for a boundary.
15.3
2
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Good length ball on middle, Rajapaksa comes down the track and smashes it past the bowler. The fielder at long on cuts it off and keeps it down to two.
Skipper, Dasun Shanaka walks out to bat next.
15.2
W
Wahab Riaz to Shehan Jayasuriya, OUT! An anti-climactic end to an awesome partnership. Full and outside off, Jayasuriya pushes this one towards cover and sets off for a run. It goes straight to Asif Ali, he steadies himself and has a shy at the bowler's end and hits. Jayasuriya was miles away and he is disappointed. He has to walk back to the pavilion but he has taken Sri Lanka to a very good position after a supporting knock.
15.1
0
Wahab Riaz to Shehan Jayasuriya, Down the leg side, Jaysuriya looks to flick this one but misses. The ball goes off the pads to Sarfaraz.
Wahab Riaz is back into the attack.
15
over
15 | 7 Runs |
HH: 135/2
14.6
0
Mohammad Amir to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Very full, almost a yorker. Rajapaksa looks to hit it straight but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
14.5
4
Mohammad Amir to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! Hammered away. Rajapaksa was done playing the dots. He comes down the track and he is in such a blistering form tonight that even though Amir bangs it short. He manages to pull it with venom over mid-wicket. It bounces inside the ropes and goes away to the fence.
14.4
0
Mohammad Amir to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Slower ball outside off, Rajapaksa swings his bat at it but misses.
14.3
0
Mohammad Amir to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Excellent ball. Yorker away from the leg pole. Rajapaksa looks to bring his bat down in time but he is late in doing so.
14.2
2
Mohammad Amir to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Better throw and Rajapaksa could have been in trouble. Back of a length ball on off, Rajapaksa pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket and calls for two straightaway. The fielder is slow to get to the ball and he also sends a very poor throw at the keeper's end allowing Rajapaksa to get back with ease.
14.1
1
Mohammad Amir to Shehan Jayasuriya, Fuller on off, Jayasuriya strokes it to deep point for a run.
Sarfaraz gets his strike bowler to try and end the onslaught. Mohammad Amir is back. 2-0-20-0, his figures so far. He has been expensive too this evening.
14
over
14 | 17 Runs |
HH: 128/2
13.6
0
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Length ball on middle, Rajapaksa skips down the track and looks to hit it over the bowler's head but misses it.
13.5
6
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, SIX! Another one and this one is even better! Length ball on middle and off, Rajapaksa makes room and cuts this one powerfully and aerially over point. Ahmed Shehzad in the deep runs and jumps to his right but cannot stop it from going over the fence.
13.4
6
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, SIX! Clean as a whistle! Slower one outside off on a good length by Hasnain, Rajapaksa gets his front foot out of the way and just about clears the cover boundary. The umpire raises his arms in the air to signal a six.
13.3
0
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Length ball outside off, Rajapaksa looks to cut but misses the line of the delivery.
13.2
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Shehan Jayasuriya, Length ball on middle, Shehan opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. The batters take one.
13.1
4
Mohammad Hasnain to Shehan Jayasuriya, FOUR! That one stays hit! Short of a length outside off, Jayasuriya cuts this one powerfully through the point region for a boundary.
Mohammad Hasnain is back on. 2-0-9-0 his figures in this game so far. He has been one of the few good bowler tonight.
13
over
13 | 5 Runs |
HH: 111/2
12.6
0
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Outside off, Rajapaksa looks to cut but misses again. Too close to cut maybe.
12.5
2
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, On the pads this time, Rajapaksa flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a couple.
12.4
0
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A touch short outside off, Bhanuka looks to cut but the ball stays low and misses the cut of Rajapaksa.
12.3
1
Imad Wasim to Shehan Jayasuriya, Shehan plays this one towards mid-wicket and the batters take one.
12.2
1
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Full and floated outside off, Rajapaksa looks to paddle but misses. The ball goes through Sarfaraz and the batters take a bye off it.
12.1
1
Imad Wasim to Shehan Jayasuriya, On the pads this time, Jayasuriya glances this one towards fine leg for a single.
Imad Wasim to bowl out. 3-0-23-1, his figures so far.
12
over
12 | 7 Runs |
HH: 106/2
11.6
1
Wahab Riaz to Shehan Jayasuriya, Length ball outside off to Shehan, he opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single.
11.5
1
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 50 FOR BHANUKA RAJAPAKSA! Maiden fifty for Bhanuka this and he looks delighted! Short of a length ball outside off, Bhanuka opens the face of his bat and guides this towards third man for a single.
11.4
2
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, That ball has taken the inside edge onto the pads. Two runs added to the total.
11.3
1
Wahab Riaz to Shehan Jayasuriya, On the pads, Shehan glances it towards mid-wicket for one.
11.2
1
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Back of a length ball on top of off, Rajapaksa runs it down to third man for one.
11.1
1
Wahab Riaz to Shehan Jayasuriya, Length delivery on off, Shehan punches it to the off side and gets to the other end.
Wahab Riaz is back on. 1-0-9-0, his figures so far.
11
over
11 | 19 Runs |
HH: 99/2
10.6
1
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, On the pads, Shehan flicks this one towards fine leg and takes a single. The fielder there has a shy at the stumps and hits but the batter is well in at the striker's end.
10.6
1
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, Wide! The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. The umpire has signalled a wide.
10.5
4
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, FOUR! Jayasuriya gets in on the act now! Short of a length ball outside off, Jayasuriya cuts this one towards the cover-point region for a boundary.
10.4
1
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Outside off by Shadab, Rajapaksa opens the face of his bat to guide this towards third man as he takes a single.
10.3
0
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Touch short outside off, Bhanuka looks to cut but misses.
10.2
6
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, SIX! This one is a flighted one over mid-wicket and brings up the 50-run stand between these two! Crucial stand for the Lankans. Floated one on middle, Rajapaksa gets down on one knee and slog sweeps this one into the stands.
10.1
6
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, SIX! Absolute power! Short of a length ball outside off, Bhanuka just rocks onto the back foot and smashes this one over mid-wicket for a flat maximum.
10
over
10 | 6 Runs |
HH: 80/2
9.6
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Bhanuka plays this one towards point off the back foot and takes a single. A good over for Pakistan in the context of the game as they concede just 6 runs in this over.
9.5
2
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Full one just outside off, Bhanuka lofts this one over the head of the bowler but does not time it properly. The fielder from long on cuts it off and the batters take two.
9.4
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Shehan Jayasuriya, Length ball outside off, Jayasuriya looks to push this towards the off side but the ball goes off the outside edge towards third man for a single.
9.3
0
Mohammad Hasnain to Shehan Jayasuriya, Length ball on middle and off, Shehan defends this one off the back foot.
9.2
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, On the pads this time, Rajapaksa looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards square leg and the batters take one.
9.1
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Shehan Jayasuriya, Short ball outside off, Shehan uses the upper cut to guide the ball towards third man for a single. The ball goes on the bounce to the man in the deep.
9
over
9 | 7 Runs |
HH: 74/2
8.6
0
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oh! That was not far away from finding the outside edge. Short and quick just outside off, Rajapaksa makes room and looks to punch it away. He misses it though, Sarfaraz too fails to gather it.
8.5
1
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, On the pads, Jayasuriya follows the deft boundary with a flick towards mid-wicket for one.
8.4
4
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, FOUR! Deft touch. Flatter just outside off, Jayasuriya waits for it and plays it very late fine towards the third man region for a boundary.
8.3
1
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Flighted on middle, Bhanuka gets down on one knee and slams it to the on side for a single.
8.2
0
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ohh! Flighted on leg, Rajapaksa looks to play the big sweep across the line. The ball though lobs off his pad behind the stumps on the off side.
8.1
1
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, Flighted on middle, Jayasuriya milks it towards long off for one.
8
over
8 | 8 Runs |
HH: 67/2
7.6
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Shehan Jayasuriya, On the pads again, Jayasuriya flicks it towards square leg for a single. He retains strike for the next over.
7.5
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Fullish this time, Rajapaksa pushes this one towards mid on and takes one.
7.4
0
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot by the batsman.
7.4
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wide! Down the leg side, Bhanuka looks to flick but misses again. Sarfaraz dives to his right and collects the ball. Wide signalled.
7.3
4
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR LEG BYES! Down the leg side, Rajapaksa looks to flick but misses. The ball kisses his pads and goes towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.
7.2
0
Mohammad Hasnain to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Length ball coming in, pushed towards mid-wicket.
7.1
1
Mohammad Hasnain to Shehan Jayasuriya, Good length ball by Hasnain, Jayasuriya pushes it towards mid-wicket and takes off for the single. The fielder at mid-wicket picks it up and has a shy at the stumps. He hits at the bowler's end but Jayasuriya is well in by then. One run added to the total.
Hat-trick hero from the last game, Mohammad Hasnain is into the attack for the first time tonight.
7
over
7 | 7 Runs |
HH: 59/2
6.6
1
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, Floated on middle and leg, Shehan sweeps this one but straight to the man at fine leg. The batters take off for a quick single but the misfield from the fielder there makes life easy for the batters.
6.5
1
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shortish just outside off, Rajapaksa cuts it towards point for one.
6.4
1
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, This time down the leg side, Jayasuriya pushes it towards mid on and takes a single.
6.3
1
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Full on the pads, pushed towards long on for a single.
6.2
2
Shadab Khan to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, This time on the pads of Rajapaksa, he flicks it wide of square leg. The fielder from deep mid-wicket hares after it but can't stop the batters from taking a couple.
6.1
1
Shadab Khan to Shehan Jayasuriya, Floated on the pads, the batsman flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
6
over
6 | 11 Runs |
HH: 52/2
5.6
6
Mohammad Amir to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, SIX! Bang this is out of here. Excellent from Rajapaksa. Good length ball on middle and leg, Bhanuka makes room and slashes it over the bowler's head for a biggie. Amir won't like the sight of that.
5.5
1
Mohammad Amir to Shehan Jayasuriya, Another run out chance goes begging. Fuller on middle and off, Shehan strokes it wide of mid off and calls for a quick single. Wahab gets to the ball quickly and attempts a direct hit at the bowler's end. Unfortunately he too misses it.
5.4
0
Mohammad Amir to Shehan Jayasuriya, On the pads, Shehan looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards point.
5.3
0
Mohammad Amir to Shehan Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka are lucky not to be 3 down already. On the pads, Jayasuriya looks to flick, it goes to the right of mid-wicket. Rajapaksa comes out looking to steal a quick single but Shehan sends him back. Babar has a shy at the stumps at the bowler's end but unfortunately he misses.
5.2
0
Mohammad Amir to Shehan Jayasuriya, Follows it up with a sensible front foot defense.
5.1
4
Mohammad Amir to Shehan Jayasuriya, FOUR! Not the welcome Amir would have been looking for. Not much wrong with the delivery it is just brilliant batting. Good length ball around off, Shehan waits on his back foot and slams it through cover point for a boundary.
Shehan Jayasuriya is the new man in. Also, Mohammad Amir is back on.
5
over
5 | 14 Runs |
HH: 41/2
4.6
W
Imad Wasim to Avishka Fernando, OUT! RUN OUT! Fernando is out of here! This one is on the pads, Fernando flicks it towards square leg and looks for a quick single. The fielder there gets to it quickly, picks it up and throws it at the bowler's end. Shadab Khan scores a direct hit and the umpire raises his finger straightaway. Avishka doesn't hang around for one second either as he knows he was well short even after his dive. Sri Lanka in trouble now as they have lost both of their openers inside the first 6 overs.
4.5
0
Imad Wasim to Avishka Fernando, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
4.4
3
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Short of a length ball outside off, cut towards point by Rajapaksa. The fielder from point hares after it and keeps it in play to save a run for his team as the batters take three.
4.3
6
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, SIX! Full and floated outside off, Rajapaksa gets down on one knee and slog sweeps this one over mid-wicket for a biggie.
4.2
1
Imad Wasim to Avishka Fernando, Fernando rocks onto the back foot and punches this ball towards cover for a single.
4.1
4
Imad Wasim to Avishka Fernando, FOUR! Fernando dances down the track to this ball and smashes this one over mid on. Lovely batting this!
4
over
4 | 9 Runs |
HH: 27/1
3.6
4
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! Slammed away. Rajapaksa comes down the track breaking the shackles. Fuller on off, Bhanuka uses his feet and slashes it over covers for a boundary. 9 off Wahab's first.
3.5
0
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka was almost on his way back for an early shower. Good length ball on the pads, Rajapaksa looks to defend but the ball goes off his pads to the side of the pitch on the leg side. Avishka comes forward for a single but Bhanuka sends him back. Wahab gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the bowler's end. Luckily for Sri Lanka and Avishka he misses.
3.4
4
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! Poor ball from Wahab. It is on the pads, Rajapaksa flicks it wide of the man at short fine leg. The fielder there seems to have misread the ball as he moves to right and the ball goes from his left to the fence.
3.3
0
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Beauty! Wahab keeps it straight outside off, Rajapaksa looks to play a flat-bat shot on the off side but the ball cuts him half on its way to the keeper.
3.2
0
Wahab Riaz to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Fuller on the stumps, Rajapaksa pushes it back to the bowler.
3.1
1
Wahab Riaz to Avishka Fernando, Good fielding. Pakistan look to be in the mood here. Riaz starts with a good length ball around off. Avishka punches it wide of cover. Fakhar there dives to his right and saves runs for his side. Keeps it down to one.
Wahab Riaz comes on to bowl.
3
over
3 | 2 Runs |
HH: 18/1
2.6
1
Imad Wasim to Avishka Fernando, Gives this one air on middle, Avishka strokes it to long on and keeps the strike.
2.5
1
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Rajapaksa is off the mark. Imad darts one on the pads, Bhanuka glances it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
2.4
0
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Floated outside off, Rajapaksa looks to play it on the off side but misses.
2.3
0
Imad Wasim to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Flighted on off, Rajapaksa starts his innings with a calm defense.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the next man in for the visitors.
2.2
W
Imad Wasim to Danushka Gunathilaka, OUT! Caught! Pakistan are up and running. Huge wicket for the hosts as the Man of the Match from the last game is out of here. Imad bowls it around the wicket and creates an angle. He bowls it slightly shorter outside off. It is not wide enough for Danushka to go for the cut. He still goes for it. The ball kisses the outside edge of Gunathilaka's bat and goes straight into the gloves of Sarfaraz Ahmed. The Pakistan skipper takes a sharp catch. The home fans are up in joy and why won't they be.
2.1
0
Imad Wasim to Danushka Gunathilaka, Floated on off, Gunathilaka pushes it to the man at cover.
2
over
2 | 9 Runs |
HH: 16/0
1.6
0
Mohammad Amir to Avishka Fernando, Length ball closer to the off pole. Avishka pushes it to the man at cover. Expensive start for Amir. 9 off his first.
1.5
1
Mohammad Amir to Danushka Gunathilaka, Length ball around off, Danushka runs it down to third man for one.
1.4
0
Mohammad Amir to Danushka Gunathilaka, Fuller for the first time. Gunathilaka pushes it to cover.
1.3
0
Mohammad Amir to Danushka Gunathilaka, Good length ball on off, Gunathilaka punches it but straight to cover.
1.2
4
Mohammad Amir to Danushka Gunathilaka, EDGED AND FOUR! Once again Amir hits the deck hard closer to the off pole. The ball moves away just a bit. Gunathilaka has a hard slash at it but the ball takes the outside edge and flies wide of first slip to the fence.
1.1
4
Mohammad Amir to Danushka Gunathilaka, FOUR! Good length ball on off, Gunathilaka punches it with power through covers. Asif Ali gives it a valiant chase and puts in a dive to save the boundary but he touches the rope when the ball is in his hand. The umpire takes it upstairs to check and the replay confirms it.
Mohammad Amir to share the new ball from the other end.
1
over
1 | 7 Runs |
HH: 7/0
0.6
1
Imad Wasim to Danushka Gunathilaka, Follows it up with a calm single with a gentle push towards cover for one. 7 runs off the first.
0.5
4
Imad Wasim to Danushka Gunathilaka, FOUR! Crunched away. That is a stroke of a man in form. Slightly overpitched around off, Gunathilaka smashes it through covers. Babar Azam dives and gets his hand to it but it was so well struck that it did not stop before the fence.
0.4
1
Imad Wasim to Avishka Fernando, Avishka is off the mark. Floated delivery on middle and leg, Avishka tucks it wide of mid on for one.
0.3
0
Imad Wasim to Avishka Fernando, Hat-trick of balls on the pads. Avishka glances it towards mid-wicket. He looks for a single but does not get it.
0.2
0
Imad Wasim to Avishka Fernando, Once again Imad bowls on the pads. Avishka flicks it to square leg but unlike his partner does not get the single.
0.1
1
Imad Wasim to Danushka Gunathilaka, Sri Lanka are off the mark straightaway. Imad starts with a flatter delivery on the pads. Gunathilaka glances it towards square leg and takes a quick single to get off the mark.
We are all set for the match to begin! The Pakistan players are in a huddle with their skipper having a last word of motivation to his players before they take their positions in the field. Man of the Match from the last game, Danushka Gunathilaka walks out with Avishka Fernando to open the innings for Sri Lanka. Imad Wasim to start the proceedings for Pakistan with the ball.
Pakistan Playing XI - Fakhar Zaman (IN for Iftikhar Ahmed), Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK/C), Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz (IN for Faheem Ashraf), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain.
Sri Lanka Playing XI (Unchanged) - Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Shehan Jayasuriya, Isuru Udana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Minod Bhanuka (WK), Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwan Pradeep.
TOSS - We are all set for the spin of the coin. Pakistan skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed has the coin in his hand. Up it goes and comes down in favour of Dasun Shanaka. SRI LANKA OPT TO BAT!
A warm welcome to the coverage of the 2nd T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Lahore. Today's clash is an important one for both the teams in terms of the series as Sri Lanka leads the three-match series 1-0. It was a one-sided affair a few days back in the 1st T20I, where the visitors humbled the hosts. Pakistan need to win today to keep the series alive with one game to play. The hosts would be hoping their loss was a one-off and will be eagerly waiting to bounce back today. Their bowlers were guilty of going on a leather hunt the other day and would be determined to correct their flaws and produce a disciplined performance. Their batsmen were seen wanting against the accurate lines and lengths the Sri Lankan bowlers served. On the other hand, Sri Lanka's victory was dominant and authoritative. The Lankan Lions were clinical with their performance. All their departments performed in tandem and that was a boost for them. Gunathilaka was just exquisite with his power hitting and so were the bowlers with their accurate line and lengths. The Islanders might just look to go in with the same winning combination that helped them end their drought on this tour. Whereas, the hosts might also look to tinker with their combination to provide them with the right balance. Will Pakistan bounce back or will Sri Lanka spring a surprise and wrap up the series today itself? Stay tuned as the toss and team news is not far away.