Nuwan Kulasekara had rattled Pakistan's top-order with the new ball by claiming two early wickets as the hosts slipped to 17 for three in pursuit of a target of 291.
Half-centuries from opener Salman Butt (62) and captain Shoaib Malik (54) - the two shared a 108-run stand for the fourth wicket - helped haul Pakistan back into the game, but Muralitharan did for Malik and Sanath Jayasuriya accounted for Butt five deliveries later to trigger a collapse.
Mendis, who had gone wicketless in the first match on Tuesday, then ran through the tail as Sri Lanka wrapped up victory with 15.1 overs to spare.
Malik reached his 31st ODI half-century by sweeping Jayasuriya to the boundary, but he fell shortly after trying to steer Muralitharan to third man and only guiding the ball straight into Sangakkara's gloves.
Butt, who marked this match with his 10th career half-century, then succumbed to Jayasuriya's guile. He attempted to work a delivery on the on-side but the leading edge flew to Mahela Jayawardene at cover.
Pakistan's innings then quickly unravelled and ended when Iftikhar Anjum (five) was trapped in front by Mendis.
Murali, Mendis continue their magic
Muralitharan finished with three for 19 from seven overs, while Mendis had three for 29 from 6.5.
Earlier, the quick wickets of Jayasuriya (19) and Sangakkara (16) left Sri Lanka in a familiar backs-to-the-wall position, but Kandamby and Dilshan prevented a collapse.
A cameo from Chamara Kapugedera (44 off 39 deliveries) and a useful 24 from Jayawardene saw Sri Lanka amass 290 for eight from their 50 overs.
Dilshan again got Sri Lanka off to a bright start in the company of Jayasuriya. Pakistan's new-ball bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Sohail Tanvir again proved expensive as the Sri Lankan openers put on 43 runs in just under six overs.
No comments:
Post a Comment