Sri Lanka broke their hoodoo in major tournament finals, as they beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in the finals of the Asia Cup played in Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka are no strangers to tournament finals. It’s winning them once they get there that usually eludes them. The Asia Cup has been one of the kinder tournaments for them in the past, and they were aiming to add to their past successes as they met Pakistan in the final of this year’s Asia Cup. The Lankans opted to leave out Ajantha Mendis – who was the leading wicket taker in this series – in favour of Suranga Lakmal and Sachithra Senanayake, as Lasith Malinga made his way back to the side after being rested. It was the bowlers that had to first step up to the plate too, as Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
The decision that began to look questionable almost immediately, as Lasith Malinga struck thrice in three overs, to have Pakistan reeling at 18 for 3. Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmad Shezad all fell playing loose strokes, and Pakistani captain Misbah-Ul-Haq found himself in a familiar situation with his team needing him to bail them out.
An attritional phase of cricket followed, as Misbah found a capable partner in Fawad Alam to grind out a partnership. Sri Lanka did well to keep the scoring down as their medium pacers bowled some very tight and disciplined spells. They were unable to make a breakthrough however, and the two batsmen were able to put together a century partnership. Sachithra Senanayake’s inclusion in the team over Ajantha Mendis paid no dividends, as he was unable to extract any turn from the pitch, going wicket less while leaking runs.
Misbah was dismissed on 65, but Umar Akmal joined Alam, and the duo took the attack to the Sri Lankan very successfully. Alam scored his maiden century while Akmal scored a fifty, as Pakistan picked up the scoring rate dramatically in the last 20 overs, ending up on a very competitive 260 for 5. Lasith Malinga was the most successful of the Lankan bowlers, picking up all five wickets that fell.
The Sri Lankans got their chase off to a bright start, as Kusal Perera took on the Pakistani bowlers, hitting a quick 43. His dismissal came about due to a stunning delivery by Saeed Ajmal, as he was drawn out of the crease by the flight, only to be stumped by Umar Akmal. Sri Lanka’s perpetual saviour Kumar Sangakkara lasted only one delivery, and at 53 for 2, the Lankans were facing a sudden setback.
Mahela Jayawardene has been woefully out of form before this game, but has a reputation of being a big game performer. He lived upto this tag today, coming good as he made a classy and efficient half century to guide Sri Lanka towards their target. It was his partner, Lahiru Thirimanne, who got most of the spotlight however, as he crafted a great innings, hitting his third ODI century. The pair put on 156 runs in together, ensuring that Sri Lanka never got into any more trouble, and skipper Angelo Mathews was able to hit the winning runs to confirm a Sri Lankan victory.
Sri Lanka 261 for 5 (Thirimanne 101, Jayawardene 75, Ajmal 3-26) beat Pakistan 260 for 5 (Fawad 114*, Misbah 65, U Akmal 59, Malinga 5-56) by five wickets
Man of the tournament – Lahiru Thirimanne
