Related Links: Arise Asia Cup 2014 – Schedule and Scorecards | Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka, Match 1 at Fatullah on Feb 25, 2014 – Scorecard Details
Lasith Malinga was the Man of the Match
Sri Lanka won the opening match of the Arise Asia Cup 2014 against Pakistan by 12 runs. It was a closely fought contest at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah.
Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka courtesy of a 2nd ODI century from Lahiru Thirimanne scored 296 for 6. Thirimanne who opened the batting in the absence of the injured Tillakaratne Dilshan, top scored with 102 from 110 balls with 11 fours and a six.
Kumar Sangakkara with 67 (from 65 balls with 8 fours) and Skipper Angelo Mathews with 55 not out (from 50 balls with 5 fours and a six) were the other chief contributors for Sri Lanka. The Pakistani bowling was pretty good on what was a flattish batting track. Umar Gul was the pick taking 2 for 38 in 8 overs.
Pakistan in their run chase were in a spot of bother at 121 for 4 in the 24th over. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal not only repaired the damages but also got Pakistan back in the contest with some excellent shots. Pakistan was looking good for a victory before Umar Akmal was caught behind by Kumar Sangakkara off Suranga Lakmal.
Umar Akmal scored a 72-ball 74 with 7 fours and 3 sixes in a 5th wicket partnership of 121 with his Captain. By the completion of the 45th over, Sri Lanka got a firm control of the match with Misbah-ul-Haq slogging Lasith Malinga to deep squareleg to perish for an 84-ball 73. Misbah-ul-Haq hit 4 fours and 2 sixes.
All-rounder Bilawal Bhatti with a 13-ball 18 provided slim hopes for Pakistan before he was cleaned up by Lasith Malinga. Pakistan were bowled out for 284 in 48.5 overs with Man of the Match Lasith Malinga taking 5 for 52. Sri Lanka’s debutant Chaturanga de Silva did pretty well with his left-arm spin to take the key wicket of opener Ahmed Shehzad while giving away 56 off his 10 overs.
Match Video: Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka: Lasith Malinga turned the game
