Sri Lanka emerge Asia Cup champs

Sri Lanka beat defending champions Pakistan by five wickets in the final to emerge champions at the Asia Cup cricket tournament concluded in Dhaka yesterday.

Electing to bat first, Pakistan made 260 for 5 in 50 overs with paceman Lasith Malinga capturing five wickets for 56 runs. Sri Lanka, helped by a blistering century by opener Lahiru Thirimanne and a polished 75 by veteran Mahela Jayawardene reached the target, scoring 261 for 5 in 46.2 overs.

Sri Lanka remained unbeaten right throughout the tournament, beating India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the league round matches.