5 times when Pakistan proved they are masters of collapses in ODIs

#3 Versus Sri Lanka, June 2012

Pakistan v Sri Lanka - 1st One Day International

Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Result: Sri Lanka 243 for 8 in 50 overs beat Pakistan 199 all out in 45 overs by 44 runs.

The Collapse: 166 for 2 in 38th over to 199 all out in 45 overs. Lost 8 wickets for 33 runs.

Te T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was drawn 1-1. Both teams were boosted with the return of ODI specialist players and were eager to clinch the ODI series. Once again the ODI series as well was locked at 1-1 with two matches to play.

This was a must-win encounter for Pakistan to win the ODI series in Sri Lanka, which they had achieved only once in the last 25 years. A moderate target of 243 was set, courtesy Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene’s strong partnership. Pakistan had one of their best batting lineups, the depth of which went all the way down to Sarfaraz Ahmed batting at no. 8.

Pakistan, knowing the target in a crucial encounter, held all the aces in the chase. After losing two quick wickets of Mohammad Hafeez and Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali held the fort well. Pakistan cruised to 165 for 2. Still needing 79 runs from 78 balls with 8 wickets in hand, Pakistan seemed to be in the driver’s seat.

Such a proposition is said to be a cakewalk in modern day ODI cricket. But soon Lasith Malinga broke the partnership with Misbah-ul-Haq's wicket. Sri Lanka then witnessed one of the greatest pace bowling spells in the form of Thisara Perrera. Perrera destroyed Pakistan’s formidable middle order by claiming a hat-trick of wickets of Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Pakistan were shell-shocked, and its six lower order batsmen all put together scored only one run. They ended up 44 runs short of the target and gifted Sri Lanka an unassailable lead in the ODI series and they also lose the series eventually.