Pakistan's bowlers toppled Sri Lanka for 131 off 40.2 overs to set up a winning platform in the opening one-day international at Dubai International Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan raced to 30-1 off 5 overs before the dinner break. The hosts lost Mohammad Hafeez for 5 but ImranFarhat (12 not out) and Younus Khan (4 not out) kept their side in charge. Pacer SurangaLakmal took 1-9.
Sri Lanka betrayed a shocking lack of stomach in moderately helpful conditions for the bowlers, to subside to 131 in the first ODI in Dubai. After losing the toss, Pakistan rolled the years back with a vintage bowling display - their fast bowlers softened the prey, before the all rounders and spinners came on to made incisions. Sri Lanka responded with indecisive prods, and a rash of strokes each uglier than the previous, leaving Pakistan facing a stroll of a chase under lights.
Dilshan has won the toss and decided to bat. Kumar Sangakkara will keep. Misbah says he would have batted first, but thinks the dew might play a role later in the day.
The Sri Lankans included two experienced fast bowlers in LasithMalinga and Dilhara Fernando, as well as giving a debut to all-rounder KosalaKualsekara.
The return of Afridi and Razzaq is a big boost, he says.
Afridi, the former captain, returns after a brief retirement while Razzaq is back for the first time since the World Cup.
The players have made their way to the middle. Dilshan and Tharanga will open.
Russell Arnold in the pitch report reckons the fast bowlers might get a bit of assistance given the sprinkling of grass on the track, but the spinners might struggle. He says a score of around 270 will be challenging.
