Source: The Hindu

Sri Lankan opener Kumar Sangakkara notched up his ninth ODI century to guide his team to a big total of 302 for seven against Pakistan in a crucial Super Four match in the Asia Cup at the National Stadium here on Sunday. (Replying, Pakistan were 72 for 2 in 16.5 overs, when reports last came in)

Sangakkara’s workmanlike 112 from 110 balls, his second century of the tournament, overshadowed left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir’s career-best figures of 5 for 48 in a match which Pakistan need to win to remain in contention for a place in the final.

Tanvir bowled beautifully and also took Sangakkara’s wicket in the 47th over, but the other bowlers didn’t make much impact.

Pakistan felt the absence of pacer Umar Gul who has been ruled out due to a rib injury. His replacement, left arm pacer Wahab Riaz lacked fire while leg spinner Mansoor Amjad, who made his debut at the cost of all-rounder Fawad Alam, was not penetrative, grabbing just one wicket.

With Sri Lanka and India carrying over points from the qualifying stage, Pakistan were already at a big disadvantage.

And, after putting Sri Lanka into bat, their bowlers, except Tanvir, had a forgettable day as Sangakkara anchored the innings after Sanath Jayasuriya (8) and captain Mahela Jayawardene (29) went out cheaply at the team total of 62 in 14 overs.

Left handed Sangakkara, however, steered the ship to safety by sharing two valuable stands with Chamara Kapugedera (43) and Chamara Silva (46), while the final ten overs of the Lanka innings saw 80 runs being scored.

Sangakkara batted fluently without taking any risks reaching his 100 from 96 balls in the 43rd over with nine fours and one six.

Bofore the Sangakkara heroics, Sri Lanka lost veteran Sanath Jayasuriya in the fifth over when the ever improving Tanvir trapped him leg before and Jayawardene also cut him straight to Misbah-ul-Haq at gully.

Kapugedera, teamed up with Sangakkara, played some glorious shots in his 58-ball 43 that included two sixes as they put on 88 runs for the third wicket.

After Kapugedera pulled Amjad down the throat of Younis Khan at deep mid wicket, Chamara Silva took control of the innings clubbing 46 from 48 balls with five fours before he edged Tanvir behind to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

Tanvir then got rid of Sangakkara, clean-bowling the Lankan wicketkeeper, before picking up the wicket of Mirando (28) to end with five wickets.

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Tags: Asia Cup, Kumar Sangakkara, National Stadium, ODI century, Sohail Tanvir, Sri Lankan opener