Lahore, Monday: Newcomer Bhanuka Rajapaksa hit a whirlwind half-century while Nuwan Pradeep and Wanindu Hasaranga recorded career-best bowling figures as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 35 runs in the second Twenty20 international in Lahore on Monday.Rajapaksa’s 77 off 48 balls lifted Sri Lanka to a challenging total of 182-6 -- the left-hander blasting six sixes and four fours in a maiden fifty that came in only his second T20 international.
Pradeep finished with 4-25 while leg-spinner Hasaranga took 3-38 -- collecting his wickets in the space of just four balls -- as Pakistan were bowled out for 147 in 19 overs.“We played quality cricket and that’s why we won,” said Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka, standing in for regular captain Lasith Malinga who was one of 10 players missing the tour over security fears.
Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa plays a shot during the second Twenty20 International cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on October 7. “Rajapaksa played a masterclass innings. These youngsters should get a good chance after the series and I am sure (the) selectors will look at it.”Victory gave Sri Lanka their first T20 series win over Pakistan in seven attempts as they clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
