Pakistan to bat in second Sri Lanka one-dayer

Pallekele: Pakistan captain Azhar Ali won the toss and elected to bat in the second one-day international against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Wednesday.

Pakistan retained the same side that won the first match by six wickets in Dambulla last Saturday to take the lead in the five-match series.

Sri Lanka brought in debutant all-rounder Sachith Pathirana and seamer Nuwan Pradeep in place of Seekuge Prasanna and Suranga Lakmal.

Ninth-ranked Pakistan need a series win to remain in contention for a place in the eight-nation Champions Trophy in England in 2017.

Sri Lanka, currently ranked fifth, are assured of taking part in the tournament.
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Kusal Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Milinda Siriwardane, Thisara Perera, Sachith Pathirana, Nuwan Pradeep, Lasith Malinga.

Pakistan: Azhar Ali (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Anwar Ali, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan.

Umpires: Ranmore Martinesz (SRI) and Rod Tucker (AUS)

TV umpire: Ian Gould (ENG)

Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)