Wisden
1st match, Fatullah

Pakistan v Sri Lanka

At Fatullah, February 25, 2014 (day/night). Sri Lanka won by 12 runs. Sri Lanka 4pts. Toss: Sri Lanka. One-day international debut: P. C. de Silva.

Sri Lanka had lost all their three matches in the previous Asia Cup, in Bangladesh two years earlier, but this time started with a win. Their total owed much to Thirimanne: opening for only the third time in one-day internationals, he produced his second hundred, and put on 161 with Sangakkara in 24 overs. Mathews pushed his side towards 300 with a 48-ball half-century, although Pakistan's bowling perked up late on to limit the damage. When Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal were doubling the score in 19 overs, Pakistan looked likely winners - but, from 242 for four, the innings fell apart as Malinga scythed his way to five wickets in 15 deliveries.
Man of the Match: S. L. Malinga.

© John Wisden & Co.