Mohammad Hafeez scored an unbeaten century as Pakistan cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka today, clinching the five-match ODI series in the process.
Pakistan made a slow start but began to pick up the pace before Sharjeel Khan became their first casualty when he was bowled by Angelo Mathews on 13.
Hafeez came to the crease and shared an 84-run partnership with Ahmed Shehzad before the latter was finally dismissed just six runs short of his half-century by Sachithra Senanayake's catch from Suranga Lakmal's bowling.
Hafeez recorded his 4000th ODI run on the way to his ninth century in the format and third in this series alone. He reached triple figures with a four that took him to 102 in the 33rd over after facing just 100 balls.
Sohaib Maqsood was by the side of Hafeez as they reached the 100 mark for the partnership in the 41st over, putting them within touching distance of the series victory.
Ashan Priyanjan opened the next over with five wides to bring Pakistan level with Sri Lanka, but he followed that up with six dot balls in a row to delay the inevitable.
Pakistan clinched the victory on the first ball of the 42nd over, however, as Maqsood clipped it down to deep mid-wicket for a single that saw him finish on 46, while Hafeez ended on 113.
Barney Corkhill
