Mukthar, Fawad guide Pakistan ‘A’ to consolation win
Half tons by opener Mukthar Ahmed and skipper Fawad Alam helped Pakistan ‘A’ to defeat host Sri Lanka A by six wickets in their third
Another solid knock by Kusal Janith - Pic Amila Gamage.
unofficial ODI match played at R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday and gain a consolation win in the three match unofficial ODI series.It was Mukthar who laid the foundation for the win with a 93 ball knock of 96 inclusive of 11 boundaries and two sixes and was involved in two valuable partnerships.
The first was a 75 runs stand for the second wicket with Khurram Manzoor and the other was a 77 runs stand for the third wicket with skipper Fawad. Later Fawad who remained unbeaten on 71 that included six boundaries and Ali Waqas added 54 runs for the fourth wicket which enabled them to reach the target in the 49th over.
Earlier Kusal Perera and Shehan Jayasuriya after Sri Lanka A was invited to take first lease of the wicket put up another fine batting display. Kusal who made back to back tons continued his good form as he had things his own way. Even though they found it tough in the first five overs being able to make only 17 the duo opened up and accumulated runs at will.
The next five overs saw them adding 57 runs and posted the 100 runs partnership in just under 20 overs. However Kusal was unfortunate to miss out his third ton being dismissed for 87 made in just 68 balls that included 11 boundaries and three sixes and he was the first wicket of Sri Lanka ‘A’ to fall having added 118 runs with Shehan in 119 balls.
Later Shehan joined by Dhanushka Gunatilleke continued the good work as the duo too had little threat from the Pakistani bowlers. The pair was separated after having added a valuable 54 runs in 52 balls with the dismissal of Dhanushka who made a contribution of 21 runs.
Shehan did not last long as he became the third victim being dismissed having made 92 ball knock of 67 that comprised eight boundaries and a six with Sri Lanka A’s score on 191 in the 31st over. The home team underwent another setback when they lost another wicket at the same score that of Milinda Siriwardena. Kithruwan Vithanage and Asela Gunaratne denied success for the Pakistan bowlers for a considerable period.
| Scoreboard Sri Lanka A innings |