Wisden
Third One-Day International

Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 2005-06

At Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, March 22, 2006. Pakistan won by four wickets. Toss: Pakistan.

Pakistan eased to a 2-0 series win after a fine mid-innings spell from Shahid Afridi jolted Sri Lanka's batsmen. Pakistan, left chasing 225 on the best pitch of the series, cruised home: Shoaib Malik made 46 in 38 balls, while Mohammad Yousuf compiled a composed 53. The Sri Lankan middle order had wasted a fine start in which Kapugedera, just 19, made his maiden international half-century with bold strokeplay. Sri Lanka were 86 for one after 20 overs before Afridi's bustling leg-spin led the way in throttling the innings - he was helped by Sangakkara, who ran Kapugedera out. The bowling of Maharoof and Malinga was wayward, and a reshuffled batting order, led by Shoaib Malik, took full toll.

Man of the Match: Shahid Afridi.

Man of the Series: Abdul Razzaq.

© John Wisden & Co.