Fataullah, Bangladesh: Lahiru Thirimanne smashed his second one-day international century in Sri Lanka's healthy total of 296-6 against defending champion Pakistan in the Asia Cup opening match on Tuesday.
Left-handed Thirimanne orchestrated 102 off 110 balls with 11 fours and a six as he was elevated to open the innings for only the third time in his four-year career in the absence of the injured Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Thirimanne and Kumar Sangakkara, who scored 67, laid the foundation of a strong total by putting on a brisk 161 off 146 balls for the second wicket after captain Angelo Mathews won the toss.
Fast bowler Umar Gul got 2-38 and Shahid Afridi, with 2-56, pegged back Sri Lanka with two late wickets before Mathews upped the sco
