Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 23 runs in the second and final Twenty20 international in Hambantota on Sunday to level the series 1-1. Sri Lanka, who won the opening match by 37 runs on Friday, were bowled out for 99 after restricting Pakistan to 122-6.
Shahid Afridi was the star of Pakistan’s win, smashing a 33-ball 52 not out and then taking two wickets with his leg-spin.
Pakistan were struggling at 41-4 before all-rounder Afridi steadied the innings with a 68-run stand for the fifth wicket with Shoaib Malik, who hit three successive fours off leg-spinner Kaushal Lokuarachchi in his 26-ball 27.
Afridi, who on Sunday became the first player to appear in 50 T20 internationals, hit one six and five fours in his fourth half-century.
Lokuarachchi bagged two of the first four wickets to reduce Pakistan to 41-4, removing skipper Mohammad Hafeez (24) and Umar Akmal (five) in his four-over spell.
Paceman Nuwan Kulasekera was the most impressive bowler, finishing with 2-13 off four tight overs.
Sri Lanka, who lead the series 1-0 following their 37-run victory in the opening match on Friday, rested skipper Mahela Jayawardene and paceman Lasith Malinga and brought in Isuru Udana and Chamara Kapugedera.
All-rounder Angelo Mathews led the hosts. Pakistan made one change, replacing Umar Gul with Yasir Arafat.
Pakistan return the favour to SL
