Pakistan ended the Asia Cup with a comprehensive six-wicket win over Sri Lanka yesterday at Sher-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The victory not only helped the side restore some pride but also gave them some confidence ahead of the World T20. Pakistan reached the winning target of 151 for four with four balls to spare after Sri Lanka, rode on opener Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 75 not out, posted 150 for four.  Sarfraz Ahmed scored 38 while opener Sharjeel Khan made 31. Akmal’s 56-run partnership with Shoaib Malik (13 not out) was the key in helping the side closer to victory. The right hand batsman smashed a six to level the score before a similar attempt cost his wicket. Malik however took a single to complete the consolation victory.
Dilshan took one for two with his off-spin, along with fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara (1-20), off-spinner Shehan Jayasuirya (1-13)and left arm spinner Milinda Siriwardana (1-20). Dilshan earlier gave the side a good start with bat after his side was put into bat first. He and Dinesh Chandimal combined for a 110-run opening stand to the 15th over, the first century partnership in a tournament dominated by bowlers. Chandimal hit a career best 58 off 49 with seven fours and a six.
Fast bowler Mohammad Irfan, in taking 2-18, helped Pakistan to slow down the scoring rate from nearly eight an over to about 6.50. He was aided by off-spinner Shoaib Malik (1-3), and fast bowler Wahab Riaz (1-30).They bowled in disciplined manner at that point to curb Dilshan’s aggressive approach. He finally clattered 10 boundaries and one six in 56 balls. Shehan Jayasuriya gave the side a breakthrough removing Mohammad Hafeez on 14 but Sharjeel Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed kept Pakistan in hunt.
As Dilshan dismissed Sharjeed for 31, Sarfraz shared a 36-run partnership with Umar Akmal, a partnership that titled the match towards Pakistan. After the dismissal of Ahmed, Akaml played aggressively to lead his side’s victory. He sent the ball across the fence four times and cleared the rope twice. Both teams were already out of contention for making the final on Sunday.