Following a stunning series of events on Saturday that saw Sri Lanka take an unassailable lead in the five-match ODI series, the two teams clash for the last time in limited overs format on this tour.
Trailing 1-2 behind, Pakistan will be hoping to share the spoils in the ODIs as well after the T20 series was shared.
The 44-run win in the last match was a result of an unbelievable turnaround that Sri Lanka inflicted on their opponents, with Thissara Perera picking up a hat-trick in a dramatic batting collapse.
Pakistan looked well on course for victory with 78 needed off 75 balls. However, as skipper Misbah ul Haq said, the batsmen took the victory for granted and as a consequence they collapsed.
Six batsmen returned to the pavilion without troubling the scorers while Younis Khan scored one.
In turn, Mohammad Hafeez and Younis are under immense pressure after a wretched run on tour. Younis could possibly be axed for the final match as the team looks to find players who can do the job.
Azhar Ali scored yet another hard-fought half-century in a losing cause, carrying his bat through.
For Sri Lanka, their immense self-belief has given them plenty of hope as well as expectation to win the series. Kumar Sangakkara returned to form with a 97-run innings while Mahela Jayawardene contributed with a valuable 40.
Perera’s hat-trick, however, stole the show with his second Man-of-the-Match award of the series. Lasith Malinga’s presence in the bowling attack lends further threat to their unit while the fielders have looked sharp and on the hunt to hold on to their chances as well as keeping the runs down.
The match will be played in Colombo on Monday, with Saeed Ajmal just one shy of 100 ODI wickets – a feat that has been accomplished by 16 of his countrymen.
Pakistan need a dramatic shift in their batting fortunes as they battle their demons and the Sri Lankan bowling in the fifth and final ODI that starts 2.30 pm local time Monday.