Pakistan win hometown after LONG 11 years

National Team win the second match against srilanka, Pakistan win last ODI by 5 wickets

KARACHI: Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the third and final one-day international in Karachi on Wednesday, taking the three-match series in the process.

Pakistan win the match in 49th over with 5 wickets left.

Abid Ali was named man of the match for his 74-run knock. “However much I thank Allah, it’s not enough. I got a good opportunity today and was happy to do well. I must thank the management and players for backing me. I am thankful to the fans for coming to the ground here in Karachi. Hope to have more international cricket here,” ESPNcricinfo quoted him as saying.

Babar Azam was awarded the Player of the Series title. “The hundred two nights ago was my first hundred in Pakistan, so proud of that. My plan is to bat all the overs I can.

Gunathilaka’s 134-ball 133 lifted Sri Lanka to a challenging 297-9 in their 50 overs but Pakistan chased down the target in 48.2 overs for their first series win in 15 months.

“It wasn’t an easy target but thanks to Abid and others who showed positive intent, they helped us chased it down,” said Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Sri Lanka skipper Lahiru Thirimanne praised his young team who had been depleted by the withdrawal of 10 top players due to security fears in Pakistan.

“I am really happy with this team´s performance,” said Thirimanne. “We scored a good total of 297 but then did not execute our plans in the first ten overs of bowling.

“Overall I am happy with the team and the arrangements in Pakistan and will encourage other teams to come here and play.”