Muralitharan plans to make history

Agence France-Presse

The wily off-spinner needs two more wickets to become only the second bowler to cross the 500-mark in limited overs internationals. Another three would help him overtake Pakistan's Wasim Akram's one-day tally of 502. The 36-year-old Muralitharan is already the world's top wicket-taker in Test cricket with 769 in 125 Tests.

Muralitharan took 3-19 to help Sri Lanka thump Pakistan by 129 runs in the second day-night international in Karachi on Wednesday, levelling the series at 1-1 to set up an intriguing final match. Pakistan won the first match, in Karachi, by eight wickets on Tuesday.

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene said however winning the match -- and with it the series -- was the priority.

"Definitely it would be great to see Murali achieve that record. Winning the match and the series would be the top priority, and on the way if Murali achieves that record we would definitely celebrate," said Jayawardene.

Muralitharan, who made his one-day debut against India in 1993, has 10 times taken five wickets in a match in a 323-match career.