Sri Lanks vs Pakistan 2017, 2nd T20I: 5 talking points

In a rather surprising turn of events, Sri Lanka gave Pakistan a run for its money, but eventually succumbed to defeat. This marked the 15th successive loss for Sri Lanka in the shorter formats (ODI and T20I combined). It was a closely contested match, as Pakistan barely managed to scrape through to a two-wicket victory.

Let us take a look at some of the decisive moments of the match.

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#5 Sri Lanka's top order in form

It was evident from the very first over that the Sri Lankan batsmen had no intention of gifting early wickets to the bowlers. Openers Gunathilaka and Munaweera consistently scored at least one run per ball, taking occasional risks.

Munaweera got out against the run of play, and Gunathilaka then joined hands with Samarawickrama to form a 63-run partnership. He was eventually out for 51 off 48 deliveries, which proved to be the only half-century of the match.

#4 Endless middle order woes

Sri Lanka could not kick off even after a decent start

18 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the last 22 balls - this was what Sri Lanka managed to score in the slog overs, and their strong start was once again of no use. None of the batsmen inspired any sort of confidence, and often just swung their bats to meet with thin air.

This seems to be happening far too often, ringing alarm bells over the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

#3 Ashraf, the unlikely hero

Faheem Ashraf picked up a hat-trick for Pakistan

With each passing game, Pakistan seems to find new heroes. This time, it was Faheem Ashraf.

In the penultimate over of the innings, he picked up the first hat-trick by a Pakistani in T20Is. His wickets included those of Isuru Udana, Mahela Udawatte, and Dasun Shanaka. He destroyed all hopes of Sri Lanka posting a competitive total, finishing with splendid figures of 3-0-16-3.

#2 The crumble of Pakistan's batting line-up

Pakistan's chase was severely mediocre

For the second successive time, Pakistan's batting looked out of sorts, with the top order batsmen unable to make sufficient headway.

There were no solid partnerships in the middle either. Sarfraz Ahmed played a useful knock, only to be run-out while going for an ill-advised run.

Pakistan needs to iron out the chinks in its batting armour sooner than later.

#1 So near and yet so far

Thisara Perera picked up three wickets

This was the best chance for the islanders to level the series, as they tightened the noose on the hosts with some exemplary bowling. They picked up wickets at regular intervals, Thisara Perera being the top-performer among the bowlers, with three wickets to his name.

However, with 12 runs needed from the final over, Pakistan snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Shadab Khan, who dropped a ball earlier, hit a vital six under tremendous pressure.

With only one match to go, Pakistan has clinched the T20I series. Nothing seems to be going Sri Lanka's way right now.