Left hand opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka continued his superb form in the wake of his blistering ODI century against Pakistan when he smashed a 38-ball 57 inclusive of 8 boundaries and a six as Sri Lanka defeated the hosts by a comprehensive 64 runs in the first of three T20 series at the Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore yesterday. He figured in an 84-run alliance for the first wicket with  Avishka Fernando who made a run a ball 33 containing 3 boundaries on a day Sri Lanka’s young brigade shone. The hard hitting left hander Bhanuka Rajapaksa also weighed in with 33 off 22 with 2 sixes and 2 boundaries at No.4 0followed by a brisk 17 off 10 by skipper Dasun Shanaka.

Sri Lanka’s total of 165 for 5 at a run rate of 8.25 proved too much for Pakistan as pace bowlers Nuwan Pradeep with figures of 3 for 21 and Isuru Udana 3 for 11 ran through the strong batting lineup.  Wanidu Hasaranga also came to the fore with 2 for 20.

CHIEF SCORES:

Sri Lanka 165/5 (20 Overs) Run Rate: 8.25

(M.D. Gunatilaka 57, W.I.A. Fernando 33, P.B.B. Rajapaksa 32, M.D. Shanaka 17, M. Hasnan 3/37)

Pakistan 101 All out (17.4 Overs) Run Rate: 5.71

( I. Ahmed 25, Sarfraz Ahmed 24,I. Udana 3/11,  N. Pradeep 3/21, P.W.H. de Silva 2//20) ‘

By Srian Obeyesekere

-The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sri Lanka Cricket-