Pakistan A ease into the final

Pakistan A 290 for 5 (Hasan Raza 74*) beat Sri Lanka A 217 (Imran Tahir 5-30) by 73 runs
Scorecard
Points table

Pakistan A maintained their impressive momentum in the Triangular Series in Colombo, by powering to a 73-run victory over Sri Lanka A at the Moors Sports Club ground. Having bundled England out for 79 on Wednesday, Pakistan went to the other extreme today, rattling up an impressive 290 for 5 after being asked to bat first.

Hasan Raza, who was believed to be just 14 years old when he made his Test debut in 1996-97, was the main man of Pakistan's innings. After Ashar Zaidi and the captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, had laid a solid platform with a pair of half-centuries, Raza rampaged towards the end of the 50 overs, cracking 74 not out from just 56 balls, with nine fours and two sixes.

Faisal Iqbal chipped in with 28 not out from 19 balls, including three fours and a six, leaving Sri Lanka with an uphill struggle if they hoped to get their tournament back on track, after defeats in each of their opening two matches.

They made a spirited start as well, with Saman Jayantha and Michael Vandort adding 36 for the first wicket at a run a ball, and at 78 for 1 in the 13th over they were well on course. But Imran Tahir struck twice in consecutive deliveries, including the captain, Jehan Mubarak, first ball, and though Russel Arnold stepped up in partnership with Vandort, the end of the innings came in an embarrassing clatter of wickets.

Sri Lanka A lost their last six wickets for 17, as Imran and Ashar swept through the tail in just six overs. The result left Sri Lanka rooted firmly to the foot of the table. They must now rely on England losing both of their remaining matches to have a chance of reaching the final against Pakistan.