Sri Lanka pip Pakistan in a thriller in the opening ODI of Asia Cup

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 12 runs in a match wherein the fortunes swung both the ways through the course of the match. A match which looked well in control for the Pakistanis ended up with a lower order collapse, thanks to a great finishing spell rom Malinga.
Earlier, Sri Lanka chose to bat first in a quite flat pitch. Inspired by a stunning stand between Thiramane and Sangakkara, Sri Lanka edged towards a possible total of over 300. Thiramane scored an excellent century, his second overall. But a middle order collapse initiated by the likes of Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul ensured that Sri Lanka didn’t run away with the match that soon. But All Rounder and captain Angelo Mathews justified his tag with a quick fire 55 of just 50 balls. Sri Lanka ended with a score of 296 on board, giving a competitive score for their bowlers to defend.
Pakistan did not start their chase in an auspicious note, as they lost Sharjeel Khan in 6 overs. Sharjeel got off to an aggressive start, but couldn’t convert it into a big score. A small partnership was building up between Ahmed Shehzad and Hafeez, and both of them were looking dangerous. But both were removed in quick succession. Captain Misbah was again to the rescue, and it looked like he would run out of partners, as scoreline read 121 for 4. But talented Umar Akmal gave good company to the captain, as both of them paced their innings perfectly.
With about 60 required from 8 overs, the match was well within the hands of the Pakistanis. But Lakmal removed the well-set Umar Akmal, and triggered a collapse. Afridi fizzled out for just 4, and it looked well set for a Pakistani loss. Small cameos from Bhatti and Ajmal did threaten to give Pakistan an unlikely victory, but Malinga’s 5-fer ensured that Sri Lanka ended victorious.
Malinga was declared the man of the match for his 5 wicket hal.
Tomorrow the match will be between the hosts Bangladesh versus the tournament favourites India.