Shehzad, Hafeez Give Pakistan Series Win

Colombo: Blistering knocks from opener Ahmed Shehzad and batting all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez have guided Pakistan to a winning position in the fourth ODI of the five match series against Sri Lanka at Premdasa Stadium on Wednesday.

Pakistan took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five match ODI series.

Chasing the target of 257, Pakistan went off to a flier with Shehzad (95) and Azhar Ali (33) adding 75 runs in just 11.1 overs.

Earlier, a clinical bowling performance from the Pakistan bowlers, especially the spinners, helped them to restrict the hosts to 256 who opted to bat first on a dry pitch.

Lahiru Thirimanne (90) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (50) were the top scorers for Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Mohammad Irfan, who took three wickets, was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan.

At the time of reporting, Pakistan were 203-2 in 32 overs, with Hafeez and Sarfraz Ahmad unbeaten at the crease on 64 and 2 respectively.

Brief scores
Sri Lanka - 256/9 (Thirimanne 90, Dilshan 50, Mohammad Irfan 3-50)
Pakistan - 257/3 (Shehzad 95, Hafeez 70)
Result - Pakistan won by 7 wickets

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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