Hafeez hits second century in Sri Lanka series

Mohammad Hafeez scored his second hundred of the series to help Pakistan post a total of 326-5 in the third day-night international against Sri Lanka here on Sunday. The resolute right-hander made a career best 136-ball 140 not out for his eighth one-day hundred to anchor Pakistan's batting after they were sent into bat on a flat Sharjah Stadium pitch. Hafeez, who hit 122 in the opening game in Sharjah last week, laid the foundations of the innings with opener Ahmed Shehzad (81) during their second wicket stand of 160 after Pakistan lost Sharjeel Khan for two in the third over. Hafeez, dropped by Lasith Malinga off leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna when 26, took full advantage of the chance and hit 11 boundaries and three sixes in an enthralling knock. He took a couple off Malinga in the covers to reach his hundred, which came off 119 deliveries, and added a quickfire 75 for the fourth wicket with skipper Misbah-ul Haq who made a rapid 26-ball 40. Shehzad set the tempo, following his 124 in Pakistan's two wicket defeat in the second match in Dubai, with 89-ball knock which had six fours and two sixes. Shehzad was run out in the 31st over but Hafeez kept one end intact as Pakistan scored 105 in the last ten overs with Misbah also in top form. Sohaib Maqsood chipped in with a run-a-ball 21 laced with two sixes and a four. Amidst the run-spree, Thisarar Perera took 2-58. The five-match series is tied at 1-1. Source: AFP