Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: A sigh of relief
Pakistan batsmen recover from early setbacks, chase down Sri Lanka’s total in Asia Cup.
DHAKA:
Captain Misbahul Haq and Umar Akmal cracked half-centuries under pressure as Pakistan virtually booked a place in the Asia Cup final with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
Pakistan were struggling at 33 for three before Misbah (72 not out) and Akmal (77) added 152 for the fourth wicket to help their team overhaul the modest 189-target set by Sri Lanka with more than 10 overs to spare in the day-night match in Dhaka.
Earlier, fast-bowler Aizaz Cheema (four for 43) and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (three for 27) played roles in Pakistan’s second successive victory in the tournament by restricting Sri Lanka to a mediocre total.
Sri Lanka, who lost to India in their opening match, needed a win to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive but were let down by their batsmen as only Kumar Sangakkara (71) and Upul Tharanga (57) could defy the Pakistan attack.
They were at one stage well-placed at 161 for four following a 96-run fifth-wicket stand between Sangakkara and Tharanga but lost their last six wickets for just 27 runs.
Ajmal started the slide and Cheema, who conceded 21 runs in his first two overs, came back strongly to claim four wickets.
The Pakistani bowlers were backed by their fielders, with Younis Khan taking a superb catch to his left in the slips to account for Dinesh Chandimal off Umar Gul.
Misbah pleased
The captain, who had said that the batsmen needed to improve their game, was a satisfied man. “It was a really good partnership between me and Umar,” said Misbah. “I told him to play his normal game and the runs came automatically.
“Cheema was hit for a lot of fours in his first couple of overs but I told him to bowl with aggression because there’s no point containing batsmen on these pitches.”
Misbah was also pleased with his own performance after failing to play a major role during the England series. “It was important for me to get my confidence back. But we have to be more consistent with the bat since the bowling is always keeping us in the hunt.”
Cheema relieved
The fast-bowler, who earned the man-of-the-match award, appreciated the help he got from Misbah. “I was under lot of pressure but the captain came to me and that helped.”
Pakistan off to slow start
Pakistan lost three wickets in the opening 13 overs, with paceman Suranga Lakmal taking two and leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna taking one, before Misbah and Akmal took charge.
The Pakistani captain hit one six and nine fours in his 93-ball knock while Akmal, who was dropped on 46, struck two sixes and seven boundaries from 72 balls.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2012.
Captain Misbahul Haq and Umar Akmal cracked half-centuries under pressure as Pakistan virtually booked a place in the Asia Cup final with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
Pakistan were struggling at 33 for three before Misbah (72 not out) and Akmal (77) added 152 for the fourth wicket to help their team overhaul the modest 189-target set by Sri Lanka with more than 10 overs to spare in the day-night match in Dhaka.
Earlier, fast-bowler Aizaz Cheema (four for 43) and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (three for 27) played roles in Pakistan’s second successive victory in the tournament by restricting Sri Lanka to a mediocre total.
Sri Lanka, who lost to India in their opening match, needed a win to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive but were let down by their batsmen as only Kumar Sangakkara (71) and Upul Tharanga (57) could defy the Pakistan attack.
They were at one stage well-placed at 161 for four following a 96-run fifth-wicket stand between Sangakkara and Tharanga but lost their last six wickets for just 27 runs.
Ajmal started the slide and Cheema, who conceded 21 runs in his first two overs, came back strongly to claim four wickets.
The Pakistani bowlers were backed by their fielders, with Younis Khan taking a superb catch to his left in the slips to account for Dinesh Chandimal off Umar Gul.
Misbah pleased
The captain, who had said that the batsmen needed to improve their game, was a satisfied man. “It was a really good partnership between me and Umar,” said Misbah. “I told him to play his normal game and the runs came automatically.
“Cheema was hit for a lot of fours in his first couple of overs but I told him to bowl with aggression because there’s no point containing batsmen on these pitches.”
Misbah was also pleased with his own performance after failing to play a major role during the England series. “It was important for me to get my confidence back. But we have to be more consistent with the bat since the bowling is always keeping us in the hunt.”
Cheema relieved
The fast-bowler, who earned the man-of-the-match award, appreciated the help he got from Misbah. “I was under lot of pressure but the captain came to me and that helped.”
Pakistan off to slow start
Pakistan lost three wickets in the opening 13 overs, with paceman Suranga Lakmal taking two and leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna taking one, before Misbah and Akmal took charge.
The Pakistani captain hit one six and nine fours in his 93-ball knock while Akmal, who was dropped on 46, struck two sixes and seven boundaries from 72 balls.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2012.