Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI Highlights
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7:Presentation Ceremony
Match Info:Squads
Sri Lanka Squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (Capt), Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeevan Mendis, Kosala Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Thisara Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dilhara Fernando, Suraj Randiv.
Pakistan Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (Capt), Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema, Junaid Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq.
Over the years, Sri Lanka had built reputation of being a quality one-day side, even ending as runner-up in the 2011 world cup. But, ever since Tillakaratne Dilshan took over the reins, their cricket has simply nose-dived. The disappointing collapse at Sharjah where they lost seven for 19 meant Lanka crashed to the third ODI series loss in a row. Not to forget same number of defeats in the longer version of the game.
In short, something is wrong with Sri Lanka, not that they aren’t winning enough matches but the manner in which dominant positions have been surrendered on numerous occasions puts a serious question mark over their ability to play under serious pressure. Same thing happened in the preceding Test series when they just let the game slip at crucial moments. And, the pattern has continued in the one-dayers as well.
Over dependence on the big three- Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara is hurting them as the youngsters just don’t seem to possess the mental strength to take their side across the line. It is time the younger crop learns to contribute or the slide will continue. As things stand, a jaded Sri Lankan side is in need of inspiration as their morale would have taken a beating after the unbelievable collapse in the last match that gave Pakistan the series with one to go.
