Extras cost Pakistan match

Sri Lanka fight back to defeat Pakistan by 26 runs in the second ODI played at the Dubai Sports Stadium on Monday. Pakistani bowlers give 25 runs extra including 16 wides which cost hosts the match and helped Lankans to level five-match series one-all. Pakistan jolted early and steadied their innings and scored slowly that put pressure on Pakistan in the end. The islanders learnt from mistakes which they did in their previous match and looked a far better improved side in the second game in which leveled the five-match series one-all. The Lankan bowlers made Pakistani batsmen struggle for each single run. Malinga seemed back in rhythm and felt his presence in the team and did not allow Pakistan players to score single run easily. Pakistan were bowled out for 210 in the 46.3 overs. Every thing went against Pakistan and it appeared today was the Sri Lanka day. Sri Lanka pace trio shared seven wickets and Malinga was the key bowler among them who clinched 3 important wickets for 25. Malinga proved breakthrough every time when he was brought in by the Lankan skipper. Three Pakistani batsmen were run out including Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi and Aizaz Cheema. Pakistan lost the important wickets too early as they were tottering at 11/3. Pakistan were on track till Umar Akmal presence on the crease and it looked that hosts will achieve the target easily but soon after Akmals departure, it proved turning point that changed the fortune of the game. Afridi provided a small hope for victory but unluckily he ran out and after Afridis departure, all hopes were faded and Pakistan lost by 25 runs. Earlier, Pakistan did not allow Sri Lanka to play at their will and made them struggle for each run but at the later stages of the game, Boom Boom Afridi removed dangerous man Dilshan and Tharanga as they were posing danger to Pakistan. Saeed Ajmal (3/61) proved very expensive bowler. Afridi (2/35) and Razzaq (1/18) bowled well. It was hard to digest that why Misbah not utilized Umar Gul and Razzaq both having three overs each in place of Cheema in the last overs. Tharanga (77), Jayawardene (50) batted well. Sri Lanka made two changes bringing in paceman Perera and Mendis in place of unfit Lakmal and Kulasekara. Jayawardene was retained. Pakistan made no change from the team. Bowlers give 25 extras including 16 wide balls that proved the difference for Pakistan. Now the team management must look into the matter and try to overpower these mistakes which the bowlers done. If the extras issue continued then it may prove fatal for Pakistan to win in future.