IMAM’S DEBUT TON GIVES PAKISTAN SERIES
Adebut one hundred from Imam-ul-haq helped Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the third ODI worked off in Abu Dhabi, UAE yesterday.
The win also enabled Pakistan to clinch the ODI series 3-1 after winning the first match by 83 runs in Dubai and the second game by 32 runs in Abu Dhabi.
The 21-year-old lefthand promising opener hoisted two sixes and struck five boundaries while facing 125 deliveries.
He put on 78 for the first wicket along with Fakhar Zaman and added a further 66 for the second wicket with Babar Azam.
Mohammad Hafeez then joined Imam and the pair added the finishing touches with a third wicket stand of 59 runs.
Earlier, energetic seamer Hasan Ali became the quickest player to reach 50 one-day international wickets for Pakistan as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 208 runs.
The 23-year-old took a career best five for 34 and was ably assisted by leg-spinner Shadab Khan (2-37) as Sri Lanka, who won the toss and batted, lost their last nine wickets for only 106 runs.
Sri Lanka Skipper Upul Tharanga (61) and Niroshan Dickwella (18) put on 59 for the first wicket, but from 102 for one in the 26th over their innings was derailed by Pakistan’s bowlers.
Shadab, Man-of-thematch for his 52 not out and three for 47 in the second game on Monday, had Dinesh Chandimal (19) leg-before and Tharanga caught in the deep.
Tharanga, who hit a brilliant 112 not out in the previous match hit five boundaries during his 80-ball knock.
Hasan, who had given Pakistan the early breakthrough with Dickwella’s wicket, removed Chamara Kapugedera (18), Milinda Siriwardana (two) and Jeffrey Vandersay (nought) to complete 50 wickets in his 24th ODI.
The previous record was held by legendary paceman Waqar Younis, who took 27 ODIS to reach the mark.
(AGENCIES)