Pakistan v Sri Lanka

At Sharjah, October 27 (day/night). Sri Lanka won by seven wickets. Sri Lanka 5 pts. Toss: Pakistan. International debut: R. A. P. Nissanka.

Sri Lanka turned in another impressive bowling performance despite resting the previous day's hero, Buddika Fernando. A policy of rotating novice bowlers meant a debut for Prabath Nissanka, who showed genuine pace. However, it was another Fernando - Dilhara - who ripped out Pakistan's top three inside ten overs; by the 18th, they were 67 for five. Parsimonious bowling, keen fielding and some rash shots wrung the life out of a middle order missing Inzamam-ul-Haq through suspension, and Pakistan limped to 176. After weathering a superb opening spell from Wasim Akram - he beat the bat several times and conceded only seven in six overs - Sri Lanka's reply seldom looked in trouble. Gunawardene stroked a handsome 88, and Pakistani heads were dropping well before the 39th over brought defeat.

Man of the Match: D. A. Gunawardene.