Sri Lanka seek revival in series decider

Overview:

**Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI**National Stadium, Karachi
Wednesday, 2 October; 3:00pm local, 10:00am GMT

Sri Lanka lost the second ODI by 67 runs, but that margin could have been a lot worse had it not been for the record sixth-wicket stand of 177 between Shehan Jayasuriya and Dasun Shanaka. It brought Sri Lanka back in the game after they were reduced to 28/5 in the 11th over of the chase. Their bowling can do with improvement as well, given the hosts had smooth progress with the bat in their innings.

The loss made it seven straight defeats for Sri Lanka against Pakistan, Lahiru Thirimanne, their captain, will ask for consistency, and more importantly, accountability from his team-mates.

Pakistan will be quietly confident of wrapping up the series. Babar Azam was at his fluent best, scoring his 11th ODI century, while Usman Shinwari led with the ball, registering his second consecutive five-for against Sri Lanka. The only bone to pick for Sarfaraz Ahmed, their captain, will be with the spinners – they went for 114 runs in their 16.5 overs, taking just three wickets between them.

Remember the last time

Babar Azam scored a fluent century after Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, the openers, gave Pakistan a solid foundation with a 73 run-stand in 14.4 overs. It helped Pakistan post 305/7 after winning the toss on Monday.

Usman Shinwari then combined with Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim to dent Sri Lanka's chase within the first 11 overs – they were reduced to 28/5 – before Jayasuriya and Shanaka kept the hosts at bay for 30.4 overs to revive hopes of a dramatic chase.

It wasn't to be. Both batsmen fell within three balls, leading to another batting collapse and they were shot out for 238.

What they said

Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan captain:"Have to do better during the middle overs. The way we started with the bat, credit to Babar and Haris [Sohail]. Fakhar and Imam provided a good start, although it would've been great had they converted. Will try to give opportunities to as many as possible."

Lahiru Thirimanne, Sri Lanka captain: “I think we can do much better. I think the way we bowled and batted, this is not our 100 percent. I am confident we will come back stronger in the next match. These players are playing after a long time and I am not giving excuses but it is a matter of time they settle down and give their best."

Conditions

Sunny, with a moderate breeze throughout the day. Both captains will once again be tempted to bat first, given how things went in the second ODI.