Sublime Malik inspires Sri Lanka clean sweep

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik scored an inspirational half-century to help Pakistan whitewash Sri Lanka in the T20I series with 36-run victory at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday.

After being put into bat first on a historic day, after fifteen over of the innings, the Men in Green were in need of a real push to post more than respectable total on the board.

Malik, who had a difficult outing in the previous match, stood up and scored breathtaking 51 off just 24 with the help five fours and two maximums to help Pakistan post 180 for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Chasing 181 to register first victory, Islanders had the worst start possible as they lost first three wickets for just 21 runs in 3.4 overs.

Young Dasun Shanaka tried to stabilise the ship with a quick-fire half-century, but it was not going to be enough as the visitors only managed to score 144 for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs.

For Pakistan, pacer Mohammad Amir was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed four, whereas all-rounder Faheem Ashraf picked two wickets.