Sri Lanka 'A' clinch series 2-1:

Pakistan 'A' in consolation win

Pakistan 'A' recorded a consolation six-wicket win over Pakistan 'A' in the third and final one-day match played at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo yesterday.

The tourists chased a 278-run target with ease with the help of two half centuries by top order batsman Mukthar Ahmed (96) and skipper Fawad Alam (76 not out).

Ahmed missed his hundred after being trapped in front of by Lakshan Sandaken, the left chinaman bowler. Ahmed hit 11 fours and two sixes during his 93-ball innings.

Skipper Alam anchored the tourists' innings facing 88 balls. Alam, who bats with an extraordinary stance, had hit six boundaries when Pakistan 'A' won the match in the penultimate over.

The home team bowlers, Binura Fernando bowled economically with a tight line and length. Fernando's spell included some vicious short pitched deliveries which were tough for Pakistan 'A' batsmen.

Earlier, Kusal Perera continued his fine batting form hitting 87 runs off 68 balls.

The left hander who clobbered two centuries in the first two games in Matara and Hambntota, struck 11 boundaries and three sixes before being out after putting on 118 runs for the first wicket.

Before the series started, Perera was shown the 'green light' by the newly appointed Sselection Committee selecting him for the ODI's. His present form should see the left hander playing in the one-day and fourday series as well.

Perera's consistent batting formshould cemented his position in the national side when the Pakistan national side tour Sri Lanka for a full series in June/July this year.

Shehan Jayasuriya, the other opener of Colts Cricket Club, struck a solid opening stand with Perera in the morning session. The home team looked set for a big score at that stage.

Kithuruwan Vithanage and Danushka Gunathilaka also chipped in with a couple of 20s, but Milinda Siriwardene again failed to capitalize the condition, which was favorable for batting.