Asia Cup Cricket - @ Sri Lanka

Asia Cup Cricket
Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan

Maling steals Afridi thunder

Dambulla: Shahid Afridi's boom boom century could not help Pakistan win a close match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup on Tuesday. Skipper Afridi batted as if the match was indeed a one-sided affair. With the help of eight fours and seven effortell sixes, Afridi smashed his fifth One-day century and when he was at the crease Sri Lanka were out of the match. But, Malinga came to the party at the death in his characteristic way taking five for 34 in his 10 overs as Pakistan once again lost the plot from winning position to lose by 16 runs in the opening match. Sri Lanka now have two points from the match.

         Despite the loss, this match easily belonged to Afridi for his aggressive exploits with the bat. He was like a lone ranger with a cramped leg and back. Afridi made a terrific 109 off 76 balls. At one stagte while chasing Sri Lanka's target, Pakistan were 23 for 2 in 10 overs and reeling under tremensous pressure. But Afridi started punching the ball all aroud the stadium.

           Even in the Sri Lankan innings, Pakistan were in complete control till the 37th over. But in the remaining 13 overs of the match, Pakistan conceded 74 runs to Sri Lanka, who ended up getting 242 for 9 in their stipulated 50 overs. It was made possibloe due to Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews' unbeaten 55 off 61 balls.

          Earlier, Sri Lanka's decision to bat first backfired when they lost two early wickets. But, both Mahela Jayawardene and skipper Kumar Sangakkara took charged and repaired the Lankan innings scoring 54 and 42 respectively. For Pakistan, the much awaited comeback to Shoaib Akhtar was an impressive one.

         The fast bowler was not as fast as he was a decade ago, but he was repeated clocking 145 km,/hr mark and surprised the Lankan batsmen with his trademark short deliveries.