Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup final

Sri Lanka dethrone Pakistan in Asia Cup final

Asia Cup – Final at Mirpur

Pakistan’s dream of a successful defence of its Asia Cup title was shattered on Saturday by a poor bowling and fielding display under lights at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Winning the toss and batting first, Fawad Alam’s maiden ODI hundred brought Pakistan back in the match after an inspired three wicket opening burst from Sri Lanka’s premier bowler Lasith Malinga had reduced the men in green to 18 for three.

Lasith Malinga takes five-wicket haul

Man of the Match Malinga took the first three wickets to force Pakistan on to the back foot, before he finished with 5-56. He rocked the Pakistani innings with the wickets of Sharjeel Khan (eight), Ahmed Shehzad (five) and Mohammad Hafeez (three) in his incisive four-over spell, pushing Pakistan to 18/3 by the fifth over. Misbah (65 off 98 balls) and Alam (114 off 134 balls) played steadily during their 122-run partnership. Chasing 261, Thirimanne’s 156-run partnership with the seasoned Mahela Jayawardene ensured a comfortable five-wicket win for the islanders with 22 balls to spare.

Scorecard

Asia Cup Final: Sri Lanka 261/5 (Thirimanne 101, Jayawardene 75) beat Pakistan 260/5 (Fawad Alam 114*, Malinga 5-56) by 5 wickets Read more

The complete Asia Cup 2014 schedule can be seen here.