Pakistan's batsmen deprived their team of a chance of winning the series, collapsing to lose seven wickets for 13 runs after reaching a position of advantage in the chase in the fourth ODI.

Not too long ago, in 2009 in Sri Lanka, such collapses cost Pakistan the Test series but they have another game to get their batting in order before the Tests.

That's if the weather permits them, though there's the insurance of a reserve day.

The balance of power has shifted from spin to pace in the Sri Lankan bowling line-up, and the hosts' seamers have shown there's sufficient ammunition to defend a competitive score.

Their batting has improved significantly, led by their experienced trio, after a forgettable performance in the rain-affected first ODI.

Sri Lanka are a team on a high; Pakistan, with some sloppy fielding and misfiring batting, not so.