With a pulverizing knock from Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the last match of the group stage of the Asia Cup by 64 runs in Karachi.
The inconsistent Pakistan failed to record a win despite fighting knocks from Misbah-ul Haq, Shoaib Malik, Younus Khan and a five-wicket haul from Sohail Tanvir.
Pakistan faltered in the very first over of their innings as Sri Lanka pacer Chaminda Vaas castled opener Salman Butt off the very first delivery. After an early jolt, Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik built a partnership of 72 runs for the second wicket. Kulasekara broke that partnership and deprived Younus of his 35th half-century.
Ajantha Mendis picked four crucial wickets of Shoaib Malik (52), Mohd Yousuf (19) and Mansoor Amjad, Misbah-ul Haq (76). Shahid Afridi disappointed yet again as Jayasuriya sent him back without scoring.
Lower in the order, Misbah put up a heroic show but it came too late. He made 76 runs with the help of three fours and three sixes. He was bowled by Mendis.
Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara played a superb knock to take Sri Lanka's score to 302 runs at loss of seven wickets in their Asia Cup match against Pakistan. This was Sri Lanka's best score against Pakistan on the hosts' soil.
Sangakkara anchored the Lankan innings after the early loss of Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene, and batted for 47 overs. He built crucial partnerships and kept one end intact. He slammed his ninth ODI century, which was also his second against Pakistan.
Losing Jayasuriya early, the vice-captain added 40 runs with skipper Jayawardene. He then added 88 runs with Kapugedera for the third wicket. Kapugedera (43) missed out on his fifty and perished as debutant Mansoor Amjad's first international wicket.
Sohail Tanvir was pick of the bowlers for Pakistan as he gave early breakthroughs and justified their decision to bowl. He took his first five-wicket haul. Tanvir first caught Jayasuriya plumb for just 8 runs at the National Stadium. He later picked Jayawardene for 29 runs, Chamara Silva for 46 runs, Kumar Sangakkara for 112 runs and Thilan Thushara.
Thilan Thushara scored a quick 28 runs before Wahab Riaz took a fantastic running catch off Tanvir. Riaz then bowled Dilshan for 8 runs.