Colombo: Decent contributions from Pakistan’s top order with two half-centuries by Sarfraz Ahmed and Mohammad Hafeez helped them set hosts Sri Lanka a challenging target of 317 in the third ODI here at the Premadasa international cricket stadium on Sunday.
Wicket keeper-batsman Sarfraz scored 77 in 74 balls with seven fours and all-rounder Hafeez – who has been banned for having a suspicious bowling action for the second time – made 54 in 64 deliveries with 4 fours.
After electing to bat first on winning the toss, Pakistan scored 316-4 in their full 50 overs.
Ahmed Shehzad (44) and skipper Azhar Ali (49) put on a 93-run opening stand before brilliant batting display by Sarfraz and Hafeez.
Later, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Rizwan cashed in on a solid base provided by the top four Pakistani batsmen to cross the 300 runs mark. Malik scored unbeaten 42 off 29 with five fours while youngster Rizwan remained not out on 35 off 22 with two fours and a six.
The five-match series is tied at 1-1.
