12.10.2008
Pakistan
141 for 7 (Malik 42*, Weeraratne 4-19) beat Sri Lanka
137 for 9 (Mubarak 39, Gul 4-13) by three wickets
Scorecard
Considering
that cricket bats have normally been packed away at this
time of the year in Toronto, it is hardly surprising that
the T20 Canada tournament is proving tough for batsmen,
but Shoaib Malik and Fawad Alam combined in thrilling
style to steal this match away from Sri Lanka with a ball
to spare.
Pakistan
had little hope at 91 for 7, following a four-wicket return
for debutant Kaushalya Weeraratne, but Malik and Alam
added 50 in four overs in front of a packed ground. Malik
hit the winning boundary off the penultimate ball to send
Pakistan to the top of the table.
This
was the glamour tie of the tournament (although a repeat
in the final is likely) and the local supporters responded.
There was plenty of support for both sides, and they got
the match they deserved. Following closely on from the
bowl-out win for Zimbabwe, it was a cracking day for the
tournament.
Sri
Lanka were left regretting their decision to leave out
Mahela Jayawardene and Ajantha Mendis, among four changes
from the Zimbabwe game. Their absence took something away
from the contest, but Jayawardene is probably expecting
a rematch in the final, and the finish more than made
up for it. Sri Lanka, though, will accept that it was
one that got away.
In
four matches there has been only one half-century, by
Salman Butt, but he went early this time, given lbw to
Farveez Maharoof. He seemed far from pleased and appeared
to think he grazed the ball, although replays weren't
totally clear. Shoaib Khan jnr had already departed and
Pakistan were 13 for 2.
Younis
Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq played sensibly, adding 48 in seven
overs, until the introduction of Weeraratne - as the fifth
bowler - changed the game, but not for the final time.
He bowled Younis with his fourth ball and two deliveries
later had Misbah caught behind. Shahid Afridi only plays
one way and his attempt to launch the ball into a neighbouring
suburb ended with a boundary catch.
Weeraratne
continued to shine when he claimed his fourth as Sohail
Tanvir got a leading edge. Between Weeraratne's display,
Dilhara Fernando - whose first over cost 16, including
a free-hit that went for six - chipped in to remove Kamran
Akmal.
But
the captain Malik was still there and Alam showed immense
power. Alam launched three sixes, including two into the
VIP area and, before Sri Lanka knew it, Pakistan needed
13 from the final over. Alam slammed his third six and
Malik sealed the rapid reversal with consecutive boundaries
off Nuwan Kulasekara.
The
first over of the match suggested a good contest was on
the cards as Sanath Jayasuriya launched the innings with
consecutive boundaries off Shoaib Akhtar, but fell next
ball when he top-edged to fine leg.
Mahela
Udawatte and Jehan Mubarak added 51 for the second wicket
with Mubarak the more dominant, continuing positively
after Udawatte was bowled round his legs by Afridi. Mubarak
had struck six fours when he came down the track and was
beaten by turn from Malik, with Akmal completing a safe
stumping.
As
has been the case in all matches, scoring off the spinners
was tough and the middle order struggled to push on against
Afridi and Malik. However, the action came from Umar Gul,
who showed why he has developed into one of the most effective
death bowlers in the world.
His
first wicket was Chamara Kapugedera, who was setting himself
for a late assault. Gul then bowled full and straight
at the tail - who kept swinging and missing - and finished
with healthy returns of 4 for 13 off three overs. For
much of the second innings it looked to have been a wasted
effort, but nothing can be taken for granted in Twenty20.
Courtesy - Cricinfo