Twin 70-plus scores from Pakistan’s opening pair guided the hosts to a 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka in ODI cricket’s return to Karachi. Such a comfortable win – Pakistan eventually triumphed by five wickets with almost two overs remaining – seemed unlikely when Sri Lankan opener Danushka Gunathilaka was in full flow, bringing up a superb hundred off as many balls, before falling for 133, the fifth-highest ODI score by a Sri Lankan against Pakistan. He was bowled by a superb yorker from Mohammad Amir, who ended with three wickets to his name, but, allied to doughty contributions from captain Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Perera, and debutant Minod Bhanuka. He laid a superb platform with Sri Lanka 225/4 heading into the final nine overs of the innings. Pakistan pulled it back somewhat towards the end, but Dasun Shanaka’s powerful 24-ball 43 meant they still crept up towards 300, seemingly a tough ask. Pakistan reply [caption id="attachment_51191" align="aligncenter" width="765"] Gunathilaka's century went in vain[/caption] In reality, Pakistan’s chase could hardly have gone more to plan. One opener teed off, allowing the other settle, with Abid Ali cracking 74 off 67 and Fakhar Zaman a more sedate 76 off 91. After the 123-run opening stand, a series of smaller partnership were all Pakistan required, and though there was a slight moment of concern when Fakhar and second-ODI centurion Babar Azam fell within eight runs of each other, no Sri Lankan miracle was forthcoming. (ICC) Brief Scores: SL (won toss) 297/9 in 50 overs (Danushka Gunathilaka 133 in 134 balls – 4x16, 6x1, Dasun Shanaka 43 in 24, Minod Bhanuka 36, Lahiru Thirimanne 36; Mohammed Amir 3/50) Pakistan 299/5 in 48.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 76, Abid Ali 74, Haris Sohail 56, Babar Azam 31, Ifthikar Ahmed 28 n.o., Sarfaraz Ahmed 23; Nuwan Pradeep 2/53) [caption id="attachment_51193" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Abid Ali's half-century earned him the Man of the Match award[/caption] Man of the Match: Abid Ali Man of the Series: Babar Azam ODI Debut: Minod Bhanuka Series: Pakistan won three-match series 2-0 (one match washed off) Series’ remainder: Three T20Is at Lahore on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday - 5, 7, and 9 October