Sri Lanka recorded a dramatic 37-run win against Pakistan in their first Twenty20 International played at Sooriyawewa in Hambantota today (1).
Electing to bat first Sri Lanka were restricted to 132 for the loss of 7 wickets but in reply Pakistan were curtailed to 95 handing the home team a thrilling win.
Sri Lanka made a slow progress and went on to post 132-7 after they lost their top order very cheaply as left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir took 3 for 12 in four overs.
All-rounder Thissara Perera clobbered an unbeaten 32 off just 16 balls which eventually became top score in the Sri Lankan innings as middle-order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne chipped in with a 25-ball 30.
Chasing a moderate target of 133, Pakistan was bundled out for 95 with superb bowling performances off all-rounder Angelo Mathews, speedsters Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara and off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake who took two wickets each.
Opener Ahmed Shehzad top scored with 36 which came off 2 balls.
The second and final Twenty20 International between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be played on Sunday (3) at the same venue.
Sri Lanka 132 for 7 wickets (20) (Kumar Sangakkara 19, Lahiru Thirimanne 30, Thissara Perera 32n.o., Sohail Tanvir 3/12)
Pakistan 95 all out (17.4) (Ahmed Shehzad 36, Angelo Mathews 2/8, Lasith Malinga 2/12, Nuwan Kulasekara 2/13, Sachithra Senanayake 2/20)
Pictured above is Dinesh Chandimal - AFP
