In an intriguing opening match of the Asia Cup 2010 at Dambulla, Sri Lanka survived Shahid Afridi's blistering 76-ball 109 to hold onto a 16-run win. Lasith Malinga, the slinger captured a fiery 5 for 34 as Pakistan collapsed once their Skipper Afridi fell courtesy of a ripping off break from the old fox Muralitharan and a splendid catch from Wicket Keeper cum Captain of Sri Lanka - Kumar Sangakkara. Pakistan chasing 243 were bowled out for 226 in 47 overs with Afridi's carnage of 8 fours and 7 sixes all going in vain.
Sri Lanka had bounced back in the game after reducing the Pakistani top order to 32 for 4. It was a one-man show from Afridi as Pakistan found itself fluctuating from a losing position to a winning one before Malinga spoilt Afridi's efforts. Afridi was the Man of the Match though ahead of Lasith Malinga.
Hosts Sri Lanka had elected to bat first after winning the toss at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. A couple of half centuries from Mahela Jayawardene (54 from 64 balls) and Angelo Mathews (55* from 61 balls) helped the homeside reach a competitive total of 242 for 9 in the allotted 50 overs.
