Pakistan v Sri Lanka in the UAE, 2011-12

Umar Akmal had cut a forlorn figure after his 91 in the second match failed to take Pakistan home - but he made very public amends here, with a thrusting, unbeaten 61 to seal a 4-1 series victory. Akmal's partnership with Misbah-ul-Haq was the key, reviving a modest chase that might have imploded after Jeewan Mendis took two wickets in two balls. Pakistan did falter, but this time Akmal stood firm. Sri Lanka had done well even to be in a position to defend: their top order slipped to 46 for four in the face of some genuine swing from Pakistan's three quicks. Inevitably it was Sangakkara who held things together; almost as inevitably, it wasn't enough.