A fine century by opener Lahiru Thirimanne helped Sri Lanka to post a comfortable 296 runs for 6 wickets against holders Pakistan in the opening match of the five-nation Asia Cup Cricket at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah on Tuesday. Favoured by coin, Sri Lanka batted first and lost opener Kusal Perera (14) for 28 runs in 7.3 overs. However, another opener Lahiru Thirimanne partnering with one down Kumar Sangakkara repaired their early damage contributing 161 runs in the 2nd wicket stand, taking the team total to 189 for 2 in 31.5 overs. Lahiru Thirimanne contributed a superb innings of 102 runs off 110 balls featuring 11 fours and a six while famed batsman Kumar Sangakkara scored 67 runs off 65 deliveries hitting eight boundaries. Later in the 7th wicket stand, captain Angelo Mathews pairing with Dinesh Chandimal added the team’s 2nd highest 45 runs. Skipper Angelo Mathews hammered an unconquered 55 runs off 50 balls including five fours and a six while Dinesh Chandimal made another unbeaten run a ball 19 with two fours. Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi claimed two Lankan wickets each for 34 and 56 runs respectively while Saeed Ajmal bagged one wicket for 50 runs. Sri Lanka Squad: Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (Captain), Chaturanga de Silva, Thisara Perera, Sachithra Senanayake, Lasith Malinga and Suranga Lakmal. Pakistan Squad: Sharjeel Khan, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohaib Maqsood, Misbah-ul-Haq (Captain), Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Bilawal Bhatti, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal and Junaid Khan.
