Wisden
Pepsi Cup 1998-99, first match

Pakistan v Sri Lanka

At Jamshedpur, March 19. Pakistan won by nine runs. Toss: Pakistan.

Pakistan snatched back victory with three balls to spare, after Sri Lanka reached a confident 155 for one in the 34th over, needing 92. They still held the advantage at 217 for three. Then De Silva ran himself out and their remaining wickets went for 20; Wasim Akram finished with three, plus three catches. Pakistan began in smashing form, as Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi opened with 148 in just 20 overs. But Anwar fell to a superb return catch by Chandana, starting a collapse of six for 12. Their tail wagged, however, Saqlain Mushtaq steering them to a total of 246 - just enough.

Man of the Match: Wasim Akram.

© John Wisden & Co