MM News

DUBAI: Pathum Nissanka smashed a powerful 55 off 48 after spinners wreaked havoc on Pakistan’s batting line to claim a comprehensive five-wicket win over the Green Shirts on Thursday as the two side gear up for the Asia Cup final on Sunday.

Hasaranga de Silva remained impressive with the ball as he bagged three crucial wickets along with Maheesh Theekshana who claimed two, to restrict Pakistan to a paltry total of 121 after they were put to bat.

Opener Nissanka starred with a blistering knock despite the initial blows early on in the chase as Mohammad Hasnain and Haris Rauf took wickets each in the first two overs.

Pakistan went for a dismal start to their innings after they were put to bat as opener Mohammad Rizwan fell cheaply on 14 in the fourth over. None of the batters impressed with skipper Babar Azam, top scoring for the side with his cautious knock of 30 off 29.

Despite a valiant knock by Nawaz, late in the order, as he smashed 26 off 18, Pakistan lost the last five wickets for the addition of mere 31 runs.

For Sri Lanka, apart from Hasaranga and Theekshana, right-arm pacer Pramod Madushan claimed two wickets while Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva made a scalp apiece.