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29 March 2024

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: Maqsood, Alam sparkle as Pakistan win tense chase

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By Cricket Correspondent and Agencies

Sohaib Maqsood and Fawad Alam struck quick-fire fifties and combined in a record 147-run sixth wicket stand as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets with one ball remaining in the first one-day international at Hambantota on Saturday.

Shahid Afridi (14 not out) hit a boundary off Nuwan Kulasekara as the visitors, chasing 275 in 45 overs in the rain-hit match, reached their Duckworth-Lewis revised target to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews earlier bailed his team out of trouble with his highest one-day international score as the hosts made 275 for seven in their 45 overs after Misbah-ul-Haq had won the toss and put Sri Lanka in under overcast conditions.

Pakistan looked dead and buried at 106 for five in the 23rd over but Alam (62) and Maqsood (89 not out) consolidated the innings and then launched a counter-attack to throw the Sri Lankan bowling into disarray.

The partnership in 117 balls also eclipsed Pakistan's previous best for the sixth wicket of 144, also against Sri Lanka in 1983, by Imran Khan and Shahid Mahboob.

The stand ended when Alam was caught at third man by Ashan Priyanjan off Lasith Malinga with Pakistan needing 22 off three overs but Maqsood, who bettered his previous best ODI score of 73, and Afridi ensured there were no further hiccups.

Maqsood survived two run out chances and wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara also missed a stumping chance against him off Rangana Herath's left-arm spin.

Pakistan openers Ahmed Shehzad (49) and Mohammad Hafeez (21) made a brisk start in their chase and it was left to all-rounder Mathews to break the 39-run partnership.

The medium-pace bowler first dismissed Hafeez leg before and then sent back experienced Younus Khan (three) when the batsman attempted a sweep from outside off stump but was caught by Kulasekara at the fine leg boundary.

Shehzad and wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal (15) fell to all-rounder Thisara Perera before captain Misbah edged left-arm spinner Herath to Sangakkara behind the stumps as Pakistan were reduced to 106 for five.

Sri Lanka themselves were reeling at 75 for four when Mathews (89) joined Mahela Jayawardene (63) at the crease and the duo curbed their attacking instincts and milked the Pakistan bowling to add 116 for the fifth wicket and prop up the innings.

Mathews, who hit nine fours and two sixes during his 85-ball knock, missed out on his maiden century when he was bowled by Wahab Riaz, who took three for 50, while looking for quick runs towards the end of the innings.

Priyanjan's quick-fire 39 off just 15 deliveries gave Sri Lanka good acceleration towards the end as the hosts added 60 from the last five overs and 105 from the last 10.

Pakistan paceman Mohammad Irfan, coming back after a long absence due to injury, used his height to extract steep bounce off the pitch and troubled the batsmen to pick up two wickets for 48 runs.

PAKISTAN INNINGS

Pakistan snatched a dramatic four-wicket victory with a ball to spare in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka at Hambantota on Saturday.

The tourists take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with the second match which was scheduled to be held in Colombo being shifted to Hambantota because of rains and will be a day-night affair on Tuesday August 26.

Chasing a formidable D/L target of 275 in 45 overs, Pakistan were set on course by a record sixth wicket stand of 147 between Fawad Alam (62) and Sohaib Maqsood (89 not out).

Needing 12 off the last two overs, Afridi held his nerve to hit the winning boundary in the penultimate ball of the match from Kulasekera.

Malinga went for 60 despite picking up the wicket of Alam, whose well crafted half century contained seven boundaries.

Maqsood survived a stumping chance but otherwise played magnificently during his unbeaten knock which came off just 73 balls and contained nine boundaries.

Mathews and Thisara Perera claimed two wickets apiece to to reduce Pakistan to 106-5 in the 23rd over before Alam and Maqsood fashioned their recovery.

Left arm spinner Herath claimed one for 49.

Earlier, Sri Lanka put into bat made 275-7 thanks to belligerent knocks from Jayawardene (63) and Mathews (89).

Sri Lanka posted 105 off the last ten overs with Priyanjan contributing with an unbeaten 15-ball cameo of 39 which was studded with eight boundaries.

Maqsood survives being run out and after playing a couple of dot balls from Kulasekera, Afridi cracks a boundary to bring Pakistan a dramatic victory with a ball to spare. Pak 277-6 in 44.5 overs.

Pakistan needed just a run-a-ball but Maqsood almost seals victory by smashing Malinga back past the bowler for a boundary. Pak 271-6 in 44 overs.

Afridi hooks a short ball from Kulasekera to the boundary. Pak 263-6 in 43 overs.

After surviving a run-out scare, Alam goes holing out Malinga to third man. Pak 253-6 in 42 overs.

Fawad Alam c Priyanjan b Malinga 62 (61b 7x4 0x6)

Alam slams Malinga inside out for another boundary as his partnership with Maqsood is a new Pakistan record for the sixth wicket.

Big over for Pakistan as Herath goes for 14 with Alam completing his half century with the first boundary . Pak 245-5 in 41 overs.

Alam get a streaky boundary edging Malinga to third man as Pakistan are in cruise control. Pak 2311-5 in 40 overs.

Maqsood slams a slower ball from Kulasekera to the boundary to put Pakistan firmly in control. Pak 221-5 in 39 overs.

Another good over for Pakistan as Malinga concedes eight runs as the 100-run partnership between Alam and Maqsood comes up. Pak 212-5 in 38 overs.

Alam slams Kulasekera down the ground and then gets another streaky boundary off an inside edge. Pak 204-5 in 37 overs.

Maqsood brings up his half century by clipping Malinga to midwicket for a boundary. Pak 193-5 in 36 overs.

Another good over for Pakistan with Maqsood slashing Herath past the keeper for a boundary. Pak 185-5 in 35 overs.

Maqsood survives after jumping out to Herath but Sangakkara misses the stumping chance. Pak 167-5 in 33 overs.

Pakistan get bonus runs as Mathews concedes five wides. Pak 161-5 in 32 overs.

Maqsood despatches a poor delivery from Dilshan to the fence to bring up the 150 of the innings. Pak 153-5 in 31 overs.

Pakistan are ahead of Sri Lanka at this stage of the innings. Pak 145-5 in 30 overs.

A good over for Pakistan with Maqsood attacking Dilshan getting a boundary on the off with a lofted shot. Pak 139-5 in 29 overs.

The required rate has gone above eight an over. Pak 130-5 in 28 overs.

Thisara comes back into the attack and Alam picks up a boundary whacking him to midwicket. Pak 127-5 in 27 overs.

Malinga returns to the attack with Pakistan struggling. Pak 120-5 in 26 overs.

Another good over from Herath keeps Alam quiet. Pak 117-5 in 25 overs.

Maqsood clips Mathews with superb timing through midwicket for a boundary. Pak 115-5 in 24 overs.

Sri Lanka are in the driving seat with the dismissal of Misbah. Pak 108-5 in 23 overs.

Sangakkara takes a brilliant catch on the leg side off Herath as Misbah attempts to sweep. Pak 106-5 in 22.3 overs.

Misbah-ul-Haq c Sangakkara b Herath 13 (22b 1x4 0x6)

The asking rate has risen above seven an over while the lights have also come on in Suryaweva. Pak 102-4 in 22 overs.

Pakistan are 99-4 in 21 overs.

Alam strides into the middle with Pak 95-4 after 20 overs and needing 181 from 25 overs.

Thisara strikes with a ball that nipped back knocking the off stump of Shehzad as he played down the wrong line. Pak 94-4 in 19.2 overs.

Ahmed Shehzad b Perera 49 (61b 5x4 0x6)

Chandimal prevents a six with a spectacular piece of fielding on the ropes as Younis flicks Herath. Pak 92-3 in 19 overs.

Shehzad is motoring along confidently carving Thisara through the offside for a boundary. Pak 90-3 in 18 overs.

Thisara's strike has put Pakistan on the back foot. Pak 82-3 in 17 overs.

Akmal glides Thisara past backward point for a judicious boundary but is out next ball beaten by the extra bounce and virtually throwing his wicket away with Malinga taking a good catch at mid-on. Pak 79-3 in 15.3 overs.

Umar Akmal c Malinga b Perera 15 (12b 2x4 0x6)

Shehzad slashes Thisara past point for a boundary as the players take a break for drinks. Pak 67-2 in 14 overs.

Akmal slaps Mathews back past the bowler powerfully for his first boundary. Pak 60-2 in 13 overs.

Mathews strikes again as Younis goes across and sweeps from outside off straight down the throat of the fine leg fielder. Pak 47-2 in 11 overs.

Younis Khan c Kulasekara b Mathews 3 (7b 0x4 0x6)

Mathews draws first blood trapping Hafeez leg before with Pakistan being unsuccessful with the review. pak 39-1 in 8.2 overs.

Mohammad Hafeez b Mathews 21 (23b 3x4 0x6)

Hafeez is in his element flicking Kulasekera to midiwicket for a boundary and then caressing the ball through extra cover for another. Pak 38-0 in 8 overs.

Shehzad cracks Malinga through point and rocks back on his toes to punch him through mid-off for consecutive boundaries. Pak 16-0 in 3 overs.

Shehzad punches Malinga through the covers for the first boundary of the innings. Pak 4-0 in 1 over.

Angelo Mathews struck 89 while Mahela Jayawardene scored 63 as Sri Lanka scored 275 for seven in 45 overs.

Ashan Priyanjan chipped in with a crucial 39 not out off just 15 balls in the end.

For Pakistan, Wahab Riaz picked three wickets in his nine overs while Mohammad Irfan claimed two.

SRI LANKA INNINGS


That's another miss for Mathews as he has to wait longer for his maiden ODI century. Riaz bowls another beauty to pick his third wicket. SL 247-7 in 43.1 overs.

Angelo Mathews b Wahab Riaz 89 (85b 9x4 2x6)

Beautifully bowled by Riaz as Perera's stumps is disturbed. That's the left-arm pacer's second wicket. SL 228-6 in 41.2 overs.

Thisara Perera b Wahab Riaz 13 (10b 1x4 1x6)

Mathews is going great guns. He has reached 78 from 77 deliveries with Perera hammering a six to take his score to eight. Afridi has had a bad spell giving away 57 runs in his nine overs. SL 215-5 in 40 overs.

Unlucky for Jayawardene as he is run out attempting a cheeky single. His innings has put Lanka in a good position. SL 191-5 in 37.5 overs.

Mahela Jayawardene run out 63 (66b 8x4 0x6)

Sri Lanka are 177 for four in 36 overs.

Jayawardene gets his half century in style in 57 balls and immediately Mathews follows suit to get his in style hammering a big six.

The partnership currently swells to 83 from only 98 balls. Great one for Sri Lanka with another 11 overs to go. SL 158-4 in 34 overs.

Great over for Sri Lanka as Jayawardene hammers two boundaries off Alam. He has reached to 45 with Mathews on 31. SL 140-4 in 30 overs.

Jayawardene and Mathews share a crucial half century partnership in 63 balls to give Lanka the momentum. SL 127-4 in 28 overs.

Smooth sailing for Sri Lanka at the moment. SL 108-4 in 24 overs.

Jayawardene batting on 19, Mathews on 17. SL 100-4 in 22 overs.

Jayawardene and Mathews carefully stitching together a partnership. It's a very important one from the Sri Lankan perspective. SL 93-4 in 20 overs.

Sri Lankan batsmen finding Irfan too difficult to handle, especially his bouncers. It pays off for the lanky pacer as his well aimed bouncer forces Chandimal to hook one straight to Riaz in the deep. SL 75-4 in 17.4 overs.

Dinesh Chandimal c Wahab Riaz b Mohammad Irfan 6 (14b 1x4 0x6)

Jayawardene takes time to open his account but does it in style cracking a lovely boundary. SL 67-3 in 16 overs

Sangakkara can't believe it as he offers a simple catchc to Shehzad at point. SL 55-3 in 13.2 overs.

Kumar Sangakkara c Ahmed Shehzad b Mohammad Hafeez 25 (40b 4x4 0x6)

Wahab Riaz gets a fine delivery which moves out good enough to take Tharanga's edge. SL 55-2 in 12.3 overs.

Upul Tharanga c Umar Akmal b Wahab Riaz 18 (23b 1x4 0x6)

Fine start from Hafeez. He quickly finishes off his over giving away just two runs. SL 50-1 in 12 overs.

Sangakkara racing to 22 from 29 balls, while Tharanga is still on 11. SL 45-1 in 10 overs.

A stunner of a catch it would have been if Fawad had managed to hold on to it at short covers. Sangakkara living on the edge is lucky to be still out there. SL 30-1 in 8 overs.

Good news coming in. Match likely to start in half an hour's time.

The rains are back and here comes the covers.

A maiden over from Junaid as bowlers continue to dominate. Sangakkara is taking his time to settle down. SL 17-1 in 6 overs.

Irfan gives the first break as Dilshan is trapped in front. Dilshan calls for a review but it does not help. SL 16-1 in 4.2 overs.

Tillakaratne Dilshan lbw b Mohammad Irfan 6 (13b 1x4 0x6)

Bowlers are dominating the proceedings at the moment. Junaid and Irfan bowling well in tandem. SL 16-0 in 4 overs.

The bowlers are getting the bounce due to the conditions but Dilshan has still been positive in his approach. SL 8-0 in 2 overs.

Positive start from Dilshan to crack an early boundary off his legs. SL 5-0 in 1 over.

Tharanga, Dilshan open for Sri Lanka as Irfan prepares to bowl.

There's still a bit of drizzle out there. The covers have not been removed yet. The conditions look good for bowling and Pakistan bowlers can't wait to get on the Sri Lankan batsmen.

Pakistan have won the toss and opted to field first. Misbah feels the overcast conditions will suit the bowlers.

Playing XI:

Sri Lanka:
Tilakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Ashan Priyanjan, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Rangana Herath, Dinesh Chandimal, Nuwan  Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Younus Khan, Umar Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sohaib Maqsood, Fawad Alam, Wahab Riaz, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan

The toss has been delayed due to wet outfield conditions in the first one-day international between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Hambantota on Saturday. Pakistan are without the services of Saeed Ajmal as he is flying to Brisbane to undergo tests on his bowling action.

Sri Lanka are on a high after having defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the recent Test series.