Cricket Asia Cup: 5-star Murli bowls Sri Lanka in Final
'Pakistan Times' Sports Desk

KARACHI: Defending Champion Sri Lanka stormed into the final of 9th Cricket Asia Cup when they inflicted a massive 158 runs defeat on Bangladesh in their second super four round tie at National Stadium on Monday with Muttiah Muraltharan grabbing five wickets.

Record 201 opening wickets stand between Sanath Jayasuriya (130) and Kumar Sangakkara (121) saw Sri Lanka accumulating 332 for the loss of eight wickets.

Spinning wizard Muttiah Muralitharan mesmerized his opponents with his off-breaks claiming five wickets for 31.runs in ten overs as Bangladesh in reply was bowled out for 174 in 38.3 overs.

This was Murli’s first five wicket haul in four years and his ninth overall in 308 ODI which raised his tally to 472 wickets, second behind Wasim Akram (502).

Sri Lanka raised their points tally to six points which included two carry forward points to assure their place in July 6 final.

Leg-spinner Ajantha. Mendis extended Muralitharan good support by claiming two wickets for 29 runs in 7.3 overs.

Raqibul Hasan top-scored with 52 and Nizamuddin made 47 but rest of their batting caved against the master spinner Muralitharan and Mendis.

Raqib got his fourth ODI in his 13th match, striking seven boundaries in an enterprising knock of 63 balls and opener Nizam’s adventurous 59-balls innings contained seven 4s and one six. ●