Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan: Winners and Losers from 4th ODI

Pakistan won the fourth of five one-day internationals over Sri Lanka by seven wickets in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in what was a comfortable victory for the away side. Pakistan now have an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. 

It ended up as a relatively low-scoring game considering how the ODI format has evolved, meaning there were plenty of opportunities for players to make their mark.

In the course of the visitors’ easy win, a number of individuals shone, while some others could not manage to do the same.

Let’s take a look at some winners and losers from the fourth ODI.

Winner: Ahmed Shehzad

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad helped get his side’s reply off to a flying start as he made an aggressive 95 from 90 balls.

He missed out on a century and took Pakistan to the brink of victory in what was an impressive knock from the 23-year-old.

Loser: Kusal Perera

Rob Griffith/Associated Press

At the other end of the spectrum, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera got his side off to a terrible start with the bat as he opened up their innings.

Perera was dismissed from the second ball of the game, caught by Imad Wasim off Mohammad Irfan, to put the hosts on the back foot immediately.

Winner: Mohammad Hafeez

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Another Pakistan batsman to impress was Mohammad Hafeez, whose calm 70 off 88 balls at three kept them well on top throughout their run-chase.

It meant that Sri Lanka could not gather momentum after taking the wicket of Azhar Ali, and his partnership of 115 with Shehzad took Pakistan close to the win.

Loser: Angelo Mathews

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews will reflect on a game in which he failed to assert himself as one of his side’s best players.

Mathews was dismissed cheaply for 12 by Rahat Ali as he lobbed an easy catch to Yasir Shah and will lament a missed opportunity to help his side take a win.

Winner: Lahiru Thirimanne

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

One Sri Lankan to impress was Lahiri Thirimanne, who scored 90 off 126 balls at three to give the innings some much-needed impetus.

He hit only five boundaries but still managed to score at a good rate in spite of the wickets falling at the other end.

Loser: Sachith Pathirana

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

One bowler to really struggle against Sri Lanka was left-arm spinner Sachith Pathirana, who bowled 10 wicketless overs for 81.

The batsmen really got after him as they hit seven fours and four sixes, and he failed to get any kind of control throughout.