Afridi the star for Pakistan

Profiles / Editor / 19 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Shahid Afridi turned in a batting masterclass as Pakistan took a 1-0 one-day international series lead over Sri Lanka after a five-wicket victory in Abu Dhabi.

The all-rounder, who was dropped twice, smashed 73 off just 34 balls - including 32 off one devastating over - as Pakistan reached 239 for five to pass their target of 236 with eight overs to spare.

The two nations meet again on Sunday for the second of the three-match series, with Pakistan the marginal 1.7 favourites ahead of Sri Lanka (2.14) in Betfair's match odds market to triumph again.

While Afridi took the plaudits, Kamran Akmal also weighed in with a belligerent 51 to give Shoaib Malik a winning start as the new Pakistan captain following Inzamam-ul-Haq's retirement from the limited-overs game.

Earlier, Farveez Maharoof ended on 69 not out as Sri Lanka finished their innings on 235 for nine.

They were largely undone by Umar Gul with the ball for Pakistan as he took three wickets for 61, including Chamara Kapugedera for 28, Mahela Jayawardene for 18 and Malinga Bandara for three.

Pakistan are the 1.05 favourites in a developing one-day international series winner market on Betfair, with Sri Lanka trading on 2.5 and the draw available at 2.