Sri Lanka scores 243-8 in 4th ODI against Pakistan

Kumar Sangakkara smashed 97 on a slow pitch as Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 243-8 on Saturday in the fourth of five one-day internationals against Pakistan.The former captain missed out on what would have been his first century at home in eight years when Azhar Ali ran from deep mid-wicket and took a diving catch off Saeed Ajmal. Sangakkara was given out after the on-field umpires referred the decision to the third umpire to rule whether the catch had been taken cleanly.Sangakkara hit seven fours and three sixes in 130 balls, putting on 110 from 109 deliveries with Mahela Jayawardene, who made 40 off 50 deliveries with four fours.Sangakkara was slow off the blocks after Sri Lanka elected to bat at R. Premadasa Stadium and was dropped on 35 by Umar Gul at long-on. He needed 99 deliveries to reach his half-century, but was soon striking the ball sweetly.Sri Lanka opted for the batting power play in the 36th over and the fielding restrictions helped the batsmen to score 49 without losing a wickety. Gul paid for giving Sangakkara a life, the batsman hooking him for a six before lofting another ball into the stands behind long-on.A rain interruption in the 25th over forced the players indoors for more than an hour, but there was no reduction of overs. The third ODI between the teams on Wednesday had been abandoned due to rain after just six overs.Pakistan hasnt lost at R. Premadasa Stadium in eight years, winning eight games with two ending in a no-result due to inclement weather.The series is leveled at 1-1.