Pakistan gunning for series win

Colombo - Pakistan need win with a 4-1 margin to eclipse West Indies in the ODI rankings.

Pakistan will be gunning for a rare series victory against Sri Lanka when the teams meet in the fourth One-Day International at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.
After receiving a significant boost in their quest for Champions Trophy qualification on Sunday when they secured a crushing 135-run victory in the third ODI against Sri Lanka to take a 2-1 series lead, Pakistan need win with a 4-1 margin to eclipse West Indies in the ODI rankings.
A victory will not only put Pakistan within distance of assuring their presence in the eight-team ICC event but also help complete a rare Test and ODI double over the islanders team.
The Pakistan Cricket board arranged the tri-angular series ahead of this series to make a way for Pakistan team for mega event of ICC.
Under the captaincy of Azhar Ali, Pakistan, have taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series and will be looking to add to their Test success. Pakistan had won the three-Test series 2-1. They had last won a series in Sri Lanka in 2006.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's cricket authorities announced a ban on alcohol during Wednesday's fourth one-day international between Pakistan and the hosts following a drunken riot at the venue on Sunday.
Sri Lanka Cricket said unruly behaviour will be dealt with severely as a response to crowd unrest that held up play for 30 minutes at the Premadasa stadium, delaying Pakistan's victory to lead the five-match series 2-1. Items banned according to a cricket board statement include hooters, liquor, glass bottles, sharp objects, lighters and boxes of matches. "Any unruly behaviour by any spectator will be severely dealt with and may even be subject to eviction from the grounds," the statement added.
Police cleared two blocks of stands at the Premadasa stadium during a match played under lights after a drunken brawl led to pelting of stones into the outer field that threatened the safety of players.
However, the authorities decided to hold the fourth ODI at the same venue in Colombo after the authorities arrested four suspects and stepped up security in the area.
No players were hurt on Sunday but Sri Lanka's sporting image suffered a blow with the local media blaming the authorities for not taking action to prevent the unprecedented clashes.
A dozen vehicles were damaged and several bystanders were also hurt. However, Pakistan players and supporters declined to blame Sri Lankan authorities and fans at large for the disturbance, instead pointing the finger at a small group of spectators. - Agencies