Asia Cup
Charlie Austin
15-Apr-2005
At R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, July 21, 2004 (day/night). Sri Lanka won by seven wickets.
Sri Lanka 6 pts. Toss: Pakistan.
After the easiest of rides in the first round, Pakistan self-destructed in spectacular fashion. Sri
Lanka were near-flawless in the field on a sticky afternoon, fielding like dervishes and bowling
with military discipline, especially Zoysa and Vaas with the new ball. Pakistan were bundled out
for 122, their lowest total against Sri Lanka. Bob Woolmer, Pakistan's bemused coach, summed
it up afterwards: "Inzamam kicked the ball on to his stumps, Youhana tried to take a single to
silly mid-off, Imran Nazir gave catching practice and Younis Khan played too early." Pakistan's
pace attack did their best, bowling their hearts out and unleashing a steady flow of unplayable,
lightning-fast deliveries, but the total was simply too small. Sri Lanka cruised home with 18 overs
to spare, collecting a bonus point - and denying one to Pakistan.
Man of the Match: D. N. T. Zoysa.
Charlie Austin is Cricinfo's Sri Lankan correspondent