Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 3rd ODI at Colombo: Yasir Shah’s magic, Sarfraz Ahmed’s grit, a restless crowd and other Highlights

With Pakistan registering a convincing 135-run win over hosts Sri Lanka in the third of the five-match ODI series at the R Premdasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, they have taken a slender 2-1 lead in the series with a couple of more matches to go. Sarfraz Ahmed’s healthy knock of 77 backed with every Pakistan batsman scoring above 30 led to a challenging total of 316, thus making the target of 317 for the hosts a tough one to achieve. The Sri Lankan response to the total was weak and without semblance of fight. Ayush Gupta looks at the highlights from the game.

Ahmed Shehzad, Azhar Ali opening stand: The Pakistan openers were off to a good start as both the batsmen batted brilliantly through the batting powerplay and more or less outplayed the Sri Lankan bowlers as they put up a 93-run opening stand, before Shehzad fell for 44 to Lasith Malinga, being caught by Sachith Pathirana. VIDEO: Stone pelting at the Premadasa Stadium during Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 3rd ODI

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Azhar Ali’s healthy knock of 49: Azhar Ali almost played a captain’s knock, but unfortunately missed out on his half-century as he fell for 49 after being run out off Upul Tharanga and Thisara Perera. The dismissal, however, was not able to do much of damage to the Pakistan innings as they went on to score a challenging total of 316.

Mohammad Hafeez impressive knock of 54: Despite being banned for a year from bowling in international cricket owing to illegal action, it seems nothing has taken aback from Mohammad Hafeez, as he continues to impress with the bat and prove that he is a force to reckon with in the game, be it any department. As he scored his half-century, it gave Pakistan greater control, while Sri Lankan bowlers were under severe pressure to get rid of him.

Sarfraz Ahmed’s blistering knock of 77: Being the highest scorer for Pakistan in today’s game, Sarfraz Ahmed has proved that he can be a true asset for the Pakistan team in almost any format of the game and anywhere he plays. However, Thisara Perera ran him out, or Pakistan’s total may have looked far more threatening.

Pakistan batsmen scoring above 30: It is not very often that every batsman in an innings scores 30 runs or above. Fortunately, for cricketing fans, today was the day as they were able to watch this moment. Surely, it was one of the moments in the game that helped Pakistan score a challenging total and keep Pakistan in the driving seat.

Lahiru Thirimanne’s hard fight with bat: Sri Lanka’s middle order batsman, Lahiru Thirimanne was the only man in the Sri Lanka squad who was able to deliver a fighting challenge to the Pakistan bowlers. However, with no support from the other end and wickets tumbling at regular intervals, it made it hard for him to carry on with his natural game and got dismissed just after scoring his half-century for 54 by Rahat Ali, as he was stumped by Sarfraz Ahmed, going for a big shot.

Yasir Shah’s four-wicket haul: Leg-spinner Yasir Shah played a big role with the ball as dismantled the Sri Lankan batting attack, claiming four wicket for just 29 runs in his quota of 10 overs and thus allowing other bowlers to bowl at an ease. Sri Lankan batsmen were just not able to play his fierce turn and just surrendered themselves to him and his spin attack.

Riot in the crowd: In the 34th over, there was a situation on field when a Pakistan player was attacked with an object thrown from the crowd, probably a small rock. The situation turned worse when a riot broke in the crowd following the incident and spectators were seen fighting in the crowd, apparently beating up the guy who threw the rock. Prior to the incident, there was a small fight in the same stand that led to few spectators being thrown out of the ground. Riot police force was immediately called in and the whole stand was evacuated, that resulted in the game being halted for around 20 minutes. No player or spectator was injured during the incident, as the play resumed comfortably with no more disturbances further till the end.

(Ayush Gupta is a reporter at CricketCountry. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he idolises Roger Federer and is also a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) maniac. He can be followed on Twitter @Ayush24x7)