Salman Butt and Shoaib Malik helped Pakistan absorb the pressure of quick wickets at the start, but both fell at the half-way mark during the run-chase. The 108-run partnership between the pair raised Pakistan's hopes, but their exit put Sri Lanka firmly in control of the game.
Muttiah Muralitharan, brought into the attack in the 22nd over, struck the vital blow in his second over, removing Malik with a doosra that spun and bounced to get the edge. Sanath Jayasuriya struck in the next over as Butt chipped a leading edge to cover. ri Lanka had Kamran Akmal not given more ammunition to his critics. Kandamby was on 16 when he stabbed a Shahid Afridi slider but Akmal dropped it. Kandamby went on to pick his singles and two in a calm manner to ensure the score kept moving. Akmal later sought redemption with a sharp, low catch to his right to get rid of Jayawardene.
