Pakistan’s Over-60s side registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their third match of the IMC Over-60s World Cup, played on Friday at Max Ward Memorial Park North Ground . Pakistan Captain Fawad Ijaz Khan after winning the toss elected to field first. Sri Lanka posted 188-6 which Pakistan convincingly chased down with more than ten overs to spare.
After being put into batting first, Sri Lanka lost a couple of wickets early before a 50-run stand between Brian Rajadurai and Suranjith Dharmasena provided some stability to the innings. Rajadurai top-scored with 60 off 87 balls, striking six boundaries, while Dharmasena chipped in with 34 off 51 before being run out. Gary Gunasekere added unbeaten 32 runs as Sri Lanka closed on 188-6 from their 45 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers shared the wickets around, with Saghir Abbas, Babar Altaf Butt, Muhammad Jaffar Qureshi and Syed Zafar Ali picking up one apiece.
In reply, Pakistan made light work of the chase. Mazhar Hussain got proceedings moving with a quick 55 off 54 balls, including six fours. Raja Arshad Hayat then took charge, guiding the innings with an unbeaten 80 off 87 balls that featured six fours and four sixes and was well supported by Babar Altaf Butt, who stayed not out on 20. Pakistan cantered to the target of 189 in just 34.3 overs, wrapping up a comfortable seven-wicket win. Lal Ranasinghe, Duminda De Silva and Janaka Rambukwella took a wicket each for Sri Lanka, but were unable to stem the flow of runs. Raja Arshad Hayat was nominated as Player of the Match for his quality knock. Pakistan will play it’s next game against the hosts Canada on 17th August.
In other matches played on the day, from Pool A, Australia defeated Wales by 81 runs. South Africa won a thriller against IMC Emerging XI by just one run. Whereas, in Group B contests, England won against Zimbabwe by three wickets. West Indies overcame USA by one wicket and India beated Scotland by two wickets.