Cricket – Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to take 2-1 series lead

Hosts Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 44 runs in the fourth One-Day International in Colombo today to gain a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Seamer Thisara Perera bagged a hat trick as Pakistan collapsed from 166 for two in the 38th over to 199 in 45 overs. They were chasing a 244-run target in the day-night contest.

Opener Azhar Ali carried his bat through the innings with an unbeaten 81, hitting one six and four boundaries. He added 113 for the third wicket with skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who scored 57.

Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara hit an impressive 97 to help Sri Lanka post 243 for eight.

The fifth one-dayer will be played in Colombo on Monday.

sports@gleanerjm.com