Jayawardene's ton seals series for Sri Lanka

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Jayawardene's ton seals series for Sri Lanka

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03 August,2009 08:59 pm

Mahela Jayawardene hit his first one-day century in two years as Sri Lanka thumped Pakistan by six wickets on Monday to grab a winning 3-0 lead in the five-match series. The former captain made 123 and shared an opening stand of 202 with Upul Tharanga (76) as the hosts cruised past Pakistan's challenging 288-8 in the 47th over of the high-scoring match. Sri Lanka, who had won the preceding Test series 2-0, made light work of an improved batting display by Pakistan in which teenager Umar Akmal led the way with 66 off 65 balls. The 19-year-old, whose elder brother Kamran Akmal is the team's wicket-keeper, propelled Pakistan to the highest total ever at the Rangiri International Stadium. But Jayawardene, opening the batting in place of the indisposed Sanath Jayasuriya, and Tharanga gave Sri Lanka the perfect start in good batting conditions. Jayawardene hit 14 boundaries and a six in his 11th one-day century and his first since making 107 for Asia against Africa in the Afro-Asia Cup in Chennai in June 2007. Pakistan lost despite putting up their best total in the series after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field. Kamran Akmal made 45 during a 71-run stand for the second wicket with Younus (44) after opener Nasir Jamshed had fallen in the second over. Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan removed Afridi and Umar in quick succession. Pakistan plundered 86 runs in the last 10 overs to compile the highest total at the venue, surpassing Sri Lanka's 282 against India in 2004. The action shifts to Colombo where the last two one-dayers will be played at the Premadasa stadium on Friday and Sunday.