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All-rounder Shahid Afridi blasted an unbeaten 39 to lead Pakistan to a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international at the Dubai Cricket Stadium yesterday. |
Chasing a target of 146, Pakistan were in a spot of bother after a good start when they lost three quick wickets and from 69-2, were suddenly down to 96-5.
But Afridi stayed calm till the end, finishing off the contest with a six off Kulasekara. His 39 came off just 20 balls, with three sixes and two boundaries.
Earlier, Angelo Mathews' half-century guided Sri Lanka to 145-5 in 20 overs after Pakistan captain Mohamed Hafeez won the toss and sent the Lankans in.
The islanders did not capitalise on the good starts before Mathews (50) and Lahiru Thirimanne (23 not out) added 58 for the fifth wicket. Mathews hit five boundaries and a six off 34 balls.
Pakistan gave an international debut to 19-year-old Usman Shinwari after the lef-arm paceman was drafted into the team as late as on Tuesday. The second match will also be played in Dubai tomorrow.
Brief scores
Sri Lanka: 145-5 in 20 overs (A Mathews 50, L Thirimanne 23*, D Chandimal 22, K Sangakkara 21; Tanvir 2/34, Ajmal 2/35) lost to Pakistan: 146-7 in 19.1 overs (S Afridi 39 n.o, S Khan 34, M Hafeez 32; L Malinga 3/26) by 3 wickets