Sri Lanka push on towards semi-finals at ICC World Twenty20

Sri Lanka remain undefeated at the ICC World Twenty20 after they beat a wretched Pakistan by 19 runs at Lord’s in the opening match of the Super Eight stage.

Now they need to beat either Ireland or New Zealand to qualify for the semi-finals from what appears to be much the weakest Super8 group.

The Sirils posted a reasonable 150/7 after failing to capitalise on a ten an over start. Tillakeratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuria put on 81 runs for the first wicket inside nine overs before the spin of Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal and Shoaib Malik suffocated the Sri Lankan middle order.

Pakistan’s lack of discipline with the ball at the top was embarrassing as they conceded 20 extras, including three no balls and ten wides. The worst offender was Sohail Tanvir, who bowled an inexcusable five wides and three no balls in his two over spell.

Dilshan top scored for Sri Lanka with a superbly crafted 46 runs from 39 balls. Umar Gul, Ajmal and Afridi each picked up two wickets.

Pakistan lost Salman Butt for a duck when he was bowled by Angelo Mathews in the first over of their unsuccessful chase. Akmal and Malik followed him back to the pavilion a short while later before Misbah Ul Haq and Younus Khan built an impressive 65 run partnership.

Misbah and Khan had no trouble with Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan, again showing that Pakistan has no trouble with facing the spin twins that have ripped through most other international batting line-ups.

Pakistan then appeared in control of the chase as they required 52 runs from five overs with seven wickets in hand but the wheels soon came off when Misbah and Afridi were dismissed in successive deliveries. The rate required quickly spiralled out of control and Younis Khan’s half century came in vain as Kulasekara and Malinga restricted the run flow at the death.