Colombo, Jun 18: Half-centuries by Imran Farhat and Umar Akmal helped Pakistan reach 247 in 50 overs in the fifth and final one day international against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium on Monday.
Opener Farhat, who was brought into the side at the expense of out-of-form former skipper Younis Khan, shared a 60-run stand with Azhar Ali before being dismissed for 56.
Another 60-run stand between Misbah-ul-Haq and Akmal for the fifth wicket followed as Pakistan pushed its total beyond 200 runs.
The 22-year-old Akmal, who had struggled for runs in the series, returned to form with his 15th one-day international half-century batting at No. 6. His 50 came off 49 balls and he was unbeaten on 55 at the end of the innings. His knock included five fours and two sixes.
Sri Lanka had brought in leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis for left-arm spinner Sajeewa Weerakoon in a move that was vindicated as Mendis proved to be the pick of the bowlers after claiming 2-30 in nine overs. Nuwan Kulasekara also picked up two wickets.
Sri Lanka leads the five match series 2-1 with one game being washed out by rain.
The hosts haven't won an ODI series for 15 months in a stretch that includes losing four bi-lateral series, failure to qualify for the Asia Cup finals and defeat in the final of the Commonwealth Bank Series.
