Kusal Perera led Sri Lanka’s strong batting display to give the hosts a comprehensive, but academic, 165-run win over Pakistan in the fifth and final one-day international in Hambantota yesterday.
The opener struck 116 off 109 balls and Tillakaratne Dilshan joined the 10,000-run ODI club as Sri Lanka piled up their highest one-day total against Pakistan of 368 for four.
Pakistan hit 203 in reply but won the series 3-2 to build on a 2-1 success in the preceding Test series, earning a double in Sri Lanka for the first time since 2006.
Pakistan were sailing at 116 for two in the 20th over after an opening partnership of 51 between Azhar Ali and Ahmed Shehzad, before eight wickets fell for 87 runs.
Mohammad Hafeez (37) and Azhar (35) were the principal contributors as the visitors faltered badly under the lights.
Off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake took three wickets for 39 in his first appearance in the series, while seamer Thisara Perera chipped in with two wickets.
Kusal reached his second century after a 164-run stand for the first wicket with Dilshan, who became only the 11th batsman and the fourth Sri Lankan to compile 10,000 one-day runs.
Angelo Mathews hit an unbeaten 70 and Milinda Siriwardana was 52 not out off 26 balls as Sri Lanka plundered 136 runs in the last 11 overs to surpass their previous best against Pakistan of 349 for nine in Singapore in 1996.
“It was a clinical performance, but unfortunately it came a bit too late,” Mathews said. “We had to go back to our basics, especially in the bowling department.
“We also showed a bit of improvement in the fielding, but one needs to keep improving.”
Dilshan reached the 10,000-run landmark in his 319th match when he took a single off Shoaib Malik to move to 55. He was eventually run out for 62.
Azhar conceded Sri Lanka played a better game.
“We really wanted to win this match, but credit must go to Sri Lanka,” the Pakistan captain said. “I am very happy we won the series. We played positive cricket all through and the fielding was very good. It was after a long time that we saw a Pakistani side field so well.”
Man of the match Kusal said he was happy his team won.
“The team needed that innings. I am always trying to get my basics right. Once that happens, the results will go my way. We had lost the series, but 3-2 is better than 4-1,” he said.
* Agencies
