BSS, Dhaka :
Opener Lahiru Thirimanne hit his career second ODI hundred saw Sri Lanka a challenging total of 296 for 6 from their allotted 50 overs against Pakistan in the opening match of five-nation Asia Cup Cricket being held on Tuesday at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah.
Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka lost their other opener Kusal Perera early. But Lahiru Thirimanne pairing with Kumar Sangakkara contributed 161 runs for the second wicket stand to take the team to a commanding position.
The 24-year left-handed batsman Lahiru Thirimanne played an impressive 102 runs off 110 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and one over boundary before he was clean bowled by Saeed Ajmal. He also received an ample support from inform batsman Sangakkara, who scored a polish 67 runs off 65 balls hitting eight delightful boundaries.
Later, skipper Anjelo Mathews played a captaincy knock unbeaten 55-run that helped to take the team’s total to near 300 land mark. The all-rounder Mathews smacked five boundaries and one over boundary during his 50-ball stay on the crease. Dinesh Chandimal was also remained unbeaten with a run-a- ball 19 runs with two boundaries.
Pacer Umar Guland all-rounder Shahid Afridi were the pick of Pakistani bowlers taking two wickets each giving away 38 and 56 runs respectively. They were well supported by Saeed Ajmal, who took one wicket giving away 50 runs.
