DHAKA: Sri Lanka regained the Asia Cup on Saturday with a comfortable five-wicket victory over defending champions Pakistan, riding on Lasith Malinga’s five-wicket haul and opener Lahiru Thrimanne’s fluent century.
Sri Lanka were clinical as they restricted Pakistan to a modest 260/5 and then overhauled the target with 22 balls to spare to lift their fifth Asia Cup, their first since 2008.
Malinga (5/56) pegged Pakistan back as he demolished the rival top order and it was Fawad Alam’s magnificent unbeaten 114 that guided the holders after deciding to bat.
Mahela Jayawardene (75) perfectly timed his return to form as he joined Thirimanne (101) at the crease and added 156 runs for the third wicket in 27 overs. The partnership pushed Sri Lanka close to win. (PTI)
