LAHIRU Thirimanne and Lasith Malinga were the stars of the show as Sri Lanka claimed an exciting 12-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the Asia Cup in Fatullah, Bangladesh, on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka opener Thirimanne’s second ODI century helped set a testing victory target of 297, but his efforts looked set to go to waste until fast bowler Malinga produced a devastating late spell to end Pakistan’s challenge.
Pakistan were favourites as they reached 242 for four in the 43rd over on the back of a superb partnership from captain Misbah-ul-Haq (73) and Umar Akmal (74), but then Malinga worked his magic – with a little help from fellow paceman Suranga Lakmal.
After Lakmal had made the vital breakthrough to dismiss Akmal and end a 121-run stand between him and Misbah, Malinga swept through the tail as Pakistan were bowled out for 284.
The 30-year-old – one of the world’s most feared limited-overs bowlers – claimed all of the final five Pakistan wickets to fall, including those of Misbah and the dangerous Shahid Afridi, to seal the win with seven balls to spare.
Malinga finished with figures of five for 52, his sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs.
That earned him the man-of-the-match award, although Thirimanne must have pushed him close after scoring 102 off 110 balls at the top of the order. (PA Sport)