Dhaka: Pakistan’s batting finally came good as they successfully chased down a competitive total posted by Sri Lanka to win by six wickets in an inconsequential final round robin league encounter of the Asia Cup Twenty20 cricket tournament on Friday.
Batting first, Sri Lanka could manage a decent 150 for four, riding on a century opening stand between TM Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal.
In reply, Pakistan produced a collective batting performance to win the match in 19.2 overs. Umar Akmal (48 off 37 balls) and veteran Shoaib Malik (13 not out) added 56 runs in 6.1 overs to take Pakistan home.
Akmal’s innings had four boundaries and two huge sixes. Mohammed Hafeez (14) hit three boundaries before off-spinner Shehan Jayasuriya dismissed him.
Brief scores
Sri Lanka 150/4 in 20 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 58, Tillakeratne Dilshan 75 not out, Mohammad Irfan 2/18) lost to Pakistan 151/4 in 19.2 overs (S. Khan 31, Sarfaraz Ahmed 38, Umar Akmal 48).
