Sangakkara century fires Sri Lanka to 302-7

Kumar Sangakkara hit a steady century to help Sri Lanka post a challenging 302-7 against Pakistan in a Super League match in the Asia Cup at the National Stadium here on Sunday.

The swashbuckling left-hander scored a 110-ball 112 to lift his team after they were sent into bat by Pakistan on a flat pitch.

The 30-year-old Sangakkara added 93 for the fourth wicket with Chamara Silva (46) and 88 for the third with Chamara Kapugedera (43) to boost Sri Lanka after they were derailed by paceman Sohail Tanveer, who finished with a career-best 5-48.

Sangakkara, who hit 101 against Bangladesh in the first round in Lahore, took 56 balls to reach his half-century but eventually opened up, hitting debutant leg-spinner Mansoor Amjad for a six on his way to his ninth one-day hundred.

It took him 96 balls to reach the century, his second against Pakistan. In all Sangakkara hit ten boundaries and one six.

Pakistan, who were forced to bring in paceman Wahab Riaz after spearhead Umar Gul was ruled out of the Asia Cup due to injury, made early inroads through Tanveer.

He trapped Sanath Jayasuriya (eight) and then had Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene (29) caught at point by Misbah-ul Haq in his second spell.

Tanveer returned for his third spell to have Silva caught behind, bowled Sangakkara and got out Thilan Thushara (28).

Tanveer's previous best of 4-34 came against Zimbabwe at Hyderabad earlier this year.

India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first match of the Super League on Saturday. All four teams play each other once to decide the July 6 finalists.