Sri Lanka suffer 11th defeat in a row

Pakistan finished off the fourth ODI in style, with Shoaib Malik hitting back to back boundaries to conclude a domineering victory over Sri Lanka, who had managed 173 against a relentless bowling attack in the match played in Sharjah on Friday.

The in-form Babar Azam hit a comfortable 69 off 101 balls. He was accompanied by Shoaib Malik (69 off 81). The two took the team over the finish line with a final volley of fours and sixes, securing Pakistan's fourth consecutive victory in the ODI series against a beleaguered Sri Lankan side.

They two had put on a solid 119-run partnership for the fourth wicket to take the side home.

Muahmmad Hafeez had earlier been caught in the deep for 9 off 19 trying to hit a boundary against Seekuge Prasanna.

Zaman had been stumped earlier at 17 when he missed a Dhanajaya delivery that spun big.

Imam-ul-Haq — who had made a century on debut in the third ODI — was dismissed on two, leg before wicket, by Lahiru Gamage.

Earlier, the number one ranked ODI bowler, Hassan Ali, kept his streak going and took three wickets for 37.

Lahiru Thirimanne made the only notable contribution to the Sri Lankan innings, making 62 in 94 balls before being dismissed by Imad Wasim. Suranga Lakmal was not out for 23 at the end of the innings.

Shadab Khan took two wickets on his first two balls of the match, dismissing Seekuge Prasanna and Thisara Perera.

Milinda Siriwardana was caught in the deep by debutant Usman Khan Shinwari when he hooked Hassan Ali.

Back to back-wickets fell in the 11th over when Dinesh Chandimal was run out by Sarfraz Ahmed and debutant Sadeera Samarawickrama was bowled by Imad Wasim.

Shinwari struck early, dismissing Sri Lankan skipper Upul Tharanga for a duck on the second delivery of his first over, leaving Sri Lanka 2-1 in the second over of the match.

Niroshan Dickwella was caught facing Junaid Khan after scoring 22 off 16 balls in the fifth over.

Both teams played a debutant today, with Pakistan giving a chance to Shinwari while Sadeera Samarawickrama made his debut for Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Hassan Ali's five-for in the third ODI helped him clinch the top position in the International Cricket Council's ODI rankings. His teammate Muhammad Hafeez — who was reported for suspect bowling action in the last ODI — also continues to hold the number one spot in the ODI all-rounder rankings.