Fri, 11 Nov 2011-Pakistan vs Sri Lanka,Pakistan and Sri Lanka in UAE 2011-12, 1st ODI - Bulletin

Pakistan maul SL in opener

A disciplined bowling effort helped Pakistan comprehensively beat Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Dubai by eight wickets. Sri Lanka played poorly to be shot out for 131 and Pakistan top order made short work of the target, needing only 21.5 overs to reach there losing only two wickets in the process.

On a pitch that had something for the bowlers, Sri Lanka after electing to bat struggled to stitch together a partnership of some significance as their batsmen played injudicious shots against a quality attack. Umar Gul and Aizaz Cheema swung the new balls to trouble the Sri Lankan openers form the very start. Tillakaratne Dilshan after hitting a boundary dragged on an inswinger from Cheema only in the second over.

Their man-in-form, Kumar Sangakkara got a serious working over from the two fast bowlers before recalled all-rounder Abdul Razzaq had him caught behind for 24-ball 5. While Sri Lanka struggled to get the seamers away, Pakistan put Mohammad Hafeez into operation further drying up the runs. Dinesh Chandimal hit a six and a four off Razzaq to provide the wobbling innings some impetus but regular wickets ensured Sri Lanka never had things under control.

Upul Tharanga failed in his attempt to go over mid-on, only finding the fielder inside the ring as Sri Lanka began to lose way. From 66 for 3, it all went down-hill while the ball was handed over to another come-back man Shahid Afridi. His first over after coming out of retirement was an eventful one, Chandimal clattered the fourth delivery over cow corner but the wily bowler had his revenge next ball, trapping him leg-before with a faster one.

Angelo Mathews after scratching around for 31 balls was run-out, Kosala Kalusekara still on zero could only hit a flighted ball from Hafeez to Gul at mid-off as Sri Lanka receded to 107 for 6 in the 33rd over. All the while, Mahela Jayawardene had held up one end, patiently reaching 24 before he too succumbed to a soft dismissal, caught at short-fine leg.

With all the recognized batsmen back in the hut, Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal polished off the tail quickly; Lasith Malinga’s slog six being the last sign of resistance. With Sri Lanka capitulating for 131, the Pakistan bowling figures gave a good reading. In particular, former skipper Shahid Afridi who picked up 3 for 27 while Ajmal and Razzaq chipped in with two each.

Chasing this modest total Pakistan made it past the finish line without even getting out of the second gear. Hafeez hit a fluent pull before lofting a rising delivery to mid-on. Despite the early wicket, Sri Lanka looked a side resigned to their fate. Imran Farhat was joined by Younis Khan after Hafeez and the two added a rapid 103 for the second wicket to put Pakistan on course of a comfortable victory.

While Farhat played some attractive strokes to bring up his fifty, Younis Khan batted sensibly for his unbeaten run-a-ball 56. In the end, Pakistan needed just 21.5 overs to overhaul the small target, thus going 1-0 up in the five match series.