MIRPUR: The middle order helped Pakistan to set the compatible target of 261 in the final of Asia Cup on Saturday at Shere Bangla National Stadium, ARY News Reported.
Pakistan’s skipper Misbah-ul-Haq chose to bat first in the Asia Cup final, as Pakistan sought to adhere to their preference for defending totals.
On the other hand, Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews said his team would also have batted first. Sri Lanka had achieved two of their four victories chasing, in this tournament.
Batting first in the final, Pakistan were in serious trouble as the top-order collapsed leaving Pakistan 18-3.
Misbah-ul-Haq and Fawad Alam helped Pakistan to recover with the stand of 122-run. Both of them played watchfully, finding gaps for ones and twos while hitting the loose balls to boundary.
Misbah-ul-Haq scored 65 runs that came off 98 balls.
Fawad Alam played unbeaten knock of 114 runs in 134 balls hitting 8 fours and 3 sixes. He reached his century with a thrilling flick over midwicket to six. Fawad becomes the first Pakistan left-hander from the middle order to reach three figures.
Meanwhile, Umar Akmal played aggressively scoring 59 off 42 balls.
Fawad Alam and Umar Akmal resurrected Pakistan with the partnership of 115-run in 13 overs helping Pakistan to score 260-5.
Lasith Malinga took all 5-wicket for Sri Lanka in his spell of 10 overs.
