Ton-up Babar helps Pakistan win easily
Dubai, UAE - Babar Azam scored an impressive hundred while Shoaib Malik smashed a quickfire half century to help Pakistan thump Sri Lanka by 83 runs in the first one-day international in Dubai on Friday.
Azam compiled a wellmade 103 from 131 deliveries, while Malik's 81 came off only 61 balls in Pakistan's total of 292 for six, before pacemen Hasan Ali (3-36) and Rumman Raees (3-49) restricted Sri Lanka to 209 for eight from its 50 overs.
The victory was a good response by Pakistan after losing the preceding twomatch Test series 0-2, in its first ODI since winning the Champions Trophy in England four months ago.
Lahiru Thirimanne was the only Sri Lankan top-order batsman who played with any authority for his 53 as Pakistan took regular wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Akila Dananjaya (50 not out) and Jeffrey Vandersay (25) delayed the result as they took Sri Lanka from 132 for seven to 200 for eight during their 68-run eighth-wicket stand but it was too little, too late.
Left-armer Raees broke a quick 30-run opening partnership as he removed Niroshan Dickwella (19) and Dinesh Chandimal in successive overs, while Mohammad Hafeez dismissed captain Upul Tharanga for 18.
Medium pacer Ali had two wickets off two balls as he dislodged Kusal Mendis and Milinda Siriwardana to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 67 for five.
Raees returned for his second spell to trap Thirimanne leg before to end Sri Lanka's hopes of a successful chase.
Thirimanne hit three boundaries in his 74-ball stay.
Pakistan, sent into bat, owed its total to Azam and Malik, who added 139 for the fourth wicket.
Malik holed out in the 47th over after smashing five fours and two sixes.
Malik, declared man of the match, said he was happy to do the job.
The remaining matches will be played in Abu Dhabi (October 16 and 18) and Sharjah (October 20 and 23).