Muralitharan's spin inspires Sri Lanka win

Pakistan's middle-order surrendered and handed Sri Lanka a 19-run victory in the Sharjah Cup yesterday.

Pakistan, chasing Sri Lanka's 243 for 8, were well placed when Shahid Afridi's 67 off 55 balls and Salim Malik's 51 took them to 173 for 4 by the 38th over, but they lost five wickets for 24 to end up with 224 for 9.

Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan made up for dropping a skier off Shahid early in his innings by taking three wickets in three overs to turn the match.

Sri Lanka's score was built on a national record-equalling 184-run stand for the third wicket between Aravinda De Silva (97) and Marvan Atapattu (94).

SHARJAH CUP (Sharjah): Sri Lanka 243-8 (P A Da Silva 97, M S Atapattu 94); Pakistan 224-9 (Shahid Afridi 67, Salim Malik 51).