Cheema, Misbah, Umar shine for Pakistan

MISBAH UL HAQ and UMAR AKMAL easily carried Pakistan through by six wickets against Sri Lanka in their second match of the Asia Cup Cricket Tournament at the Shere Bangla National Stadium Ground, Mirpur, Dhaka on Thursday. Final scores; SRI LANKA 188 (45.4 overs) PAKISTAN 189/4 (39.5 overs). Pakistan chsed the small 188 by the Lankans through a third wicket 152 runs partnership between the skipper and Umar Akmal. But it was Aizaz Cheema, the eventual Man of the Match, against whose four for 43 the Lankan batting had failed to rise. While Misbah remained unbeaten 72 including a six and 9 boundaries, Umar lost his wicket just before 4 required for the victory for 77 including two sixes and 7 fours off 72 deliveries. The required target was achieved one delivery short of the 40th over. Suranga Lakmal took two for 37 while Seekkuge Prasanna and Farveez Maharoof had one each for 49 and 23. Nasir Jamshed lost his wicket at 29 for 11, Mohammad Hafeez for 10 and Younis Khan for 2. Earlier, Aizaz Cheema had led the Pakistani bowlers with the figures of four for 43 that had restricted the Lankans 188 all out in 45.4 overs. Kumar Sangakkara was their top scorer hitting 71 including a six and 4 fours followed by Upul Tharanga 57. Saeed Ajmal took three for 27, Umar Gul two for 20 and Hammad Azam one for 21. Pakistan next plays the dream game against India on March 18.