Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan: Winners and Losers from 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka took a tense victory by two wickets over Pakistan in the second one-day international in Pallekele, with just 11 balls remaining.

It was an enthralling game that could so easily have gone either way, especially as it stayed so close for so long.

In such a pressure situation, some players stood out while others failed to assert themselves as well as they would have liked.

Read on for some winners and losers from the second ODI.

Winner: Kusal Perera

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera was on fire as the hosts began their innings, as he smashed 68 from just 25 balls at a staggering strike rate of 272.

It was an incredible effort and set the home side on course for the win, even when he was out with the score on 92.

Loser: Azhar Ali

Anjum Naveed/Associated Press

He may have scored 79 with the bat, but Pakistan captain Azhar Ali may well not look back favourably on this game after some questionable bowling choices.

The most economical bowler, Anwar Ali, bowled just seven overs while Rahat Ali was hammered all over the ground in 10, in what will surely be a learning experience for their captain.

Winner: Dinesh Chandimal

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Things looked difficult for Sri Lanka at one stage as they were 157-4 and experienced a batting collapse, but Dinesh Chandimal was there and a picture of calm.

His unbeaten 48 helped the home side to the win, as he shepherded the tail expertly but also took responsibility for doing the bulk of the run-scoring.

Loser: Mohammad Hafeez

K.M. Chaudary/Associated Press

Plenty was expected of Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez in this game, but he did not quite deliver to his usual standards.

First, he made just nine runs with the bat, then he was expensive as he took 2-61 from 10 overs with his off-spin to complete a disappointing day.

Winner: Mohammad Rizwan

A.M. Ahad/Associated Press

In at No. 6, Mohammad Rizwan made an impression with the bat as he struck 52 from 38 balls to give Pakistan some momentum late in their innings.

It was a vital intervention, especially as their innings threatened to tail off when Shoaib Malik was dismissed for 51.

Loser: Yasir Shah

Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/Associated Press

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah has performed well for Pakistan since arriving in international cricket but did not manage to do so in this game.

He went for 51 in 10 wicketless overs and struggled to exert any real control, even with 29 dot balls indicating he was gaining some traction at times.