FATAULLAH: Sri Lanka batting first finished strong with 296 runs on board at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatahullah, ARY News reported.
A 161-run partnership between Lahiru Thirimanne and Kumar Sagakkara set the momentum. The pair overcome a stuttering beginning with a smooth and well balanced stand for the second wicket.
Lahiru Thirimanne re-asserted his talent and temperament by easing to a second ODI century. Kumar Sangakkara was dismissed by Umar Gul after scoring 67 runs.
But once the centurion Thirimanne was dismissed – off a beauty from Saeed Ajmal – Pakistan woke up and struck back. He scored 102 runs hitting 11 fours and a six.
Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Matthews played a wonderful knock of unbeaten 55 runs that came off in 50 balls.
Dinesh Chandimal though reckons Sri Lanka have posted enough to set a compatible target with 19 runs off 19 balls.
Captan Misbah-ul-Haq opened the bowling with Mohammad Hafeez, and the ploy achieved its intended effect of subduing Kusal Perera.
Mohammad Hafeez remain expensive giving 54 runs in 9 overs.
Umar Gul and Shahid Khan Afridi took two wickets each.