Sri Lanka beats Pak by 12 runs in Asia Cup opener

Sri Lanka has defeated defending champions Pakistan by 12 runs in the opening match of the Asia Cup in Fatullah at Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Chasing Sri Lanka's competitive 296-6, Pakistan seemed to be cruising at 242-4 in the 43rd over following a fifth-wicket stand of 121 between skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal.

However, Sport24 reports that sling-arm fast bowler Lasith Malinga turned the tables by grabbing five wickets as Pakistan lost their last six batsmen for 42 runs to be bowled out for 284 in the penultimate over of the day-night match.

Akmal hit 74 off 72 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes, and Misbah made 73, while Sri Lanka's inning revolved around opener Lahiru Thirimanne's 102 off 110, his second one-day hundred, and Kumar Sangakkara (67) and captain Angelo Mathews (55 not out).

India will play against hosts Bangladesh at the same venue on Wednesday and the report added that Afghanistan is the fifth team in the tournament, which decides the regional champion in one-day cricket.