Fourth ODI: Pakistan cruise to comfortable 7-wicket win over Sri Lanka
Pakistan finished off the fourth ODI in style, with Shoaib Malik hitting back to back boundaries to conclude a domineering victory over Sri Lanka, who had managed 173 against a relentless bowling attack in the match played in Sharjah on Friday.
The in-form Babar Azam hit a comfortable 69 off 101 balls. He was accompanied by Shoaib Malik (69 off 81). The two took the team over the finish line with a final volley of fours and sixes, securing Pakistan's fourth consecutive victory in the ODI series against a beleaguered Sri Lankan side.
They two had put on a solid 119-run partnership for the fourth wicket to take the side home.
Muahmmad Hafeez had earlier been caught in the deep for 9 off 19 trying to hit a boundary against Seekuge Prasanna.
Zaman had been stumped earlier at 17 when he missed a Dhanajaya delivery that spun big.
Imam-ul-Haq — who had made a century on debut in the third ODI — was dismissed on two, leg before wicket, by Lahiru Gamage.
Earlier, the number one ranked ODI bowler, Hassan Ali, kept his streak going and took three wickets for 37.
Lahiru Thirimanne made the only notable contribution to the Sri Lankan innings, making 62 in 94 balls before being dismissed by Imad Wasim. Suranga Lakmal was not out for 23 at the end of the innings.
Shadab Khan took two wickets on his first two balls of the match, dismissing Seekuge Prasanna and Thisara Perera.
Milinda Siriwardana was caught in the deep by debutant Usman Khan Shinwari when he hooked Hassan Ali.