Cricket: Afridi stars in Pakistan win

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 23 runs in the second and final Twenty20 international in Hambantota on Sunday to level the series 1-1. Sri Lanka, who won the opening match by 37 runs on Friday, were bowled out for 99 after restricting Pakistan to 122-6. Shahid Afridi was the star of Pakistan’s win, smashing a 33-ball 52 not out and then taking two wickets with his leg-spin. Pakistan scored a competitive 122-6 after batting first. Pakistan were struggling at 41-4 before all-rounder Afridi steadied the innings with a 68-run stand for the fifth wicket with Shoaib Malik, who hit three successive fours off leg-spinner Kaushal Lokuarachchi in his 26-ball 27. Afridi, who on Sunday became the first player to appear in 50 T20 internationals, hit one six and five fours in his fourth half-century. Lokuarachchi bagged two of the first four wickets to reduce Pakistan to 41-4, removing skipper Mohammad Hafeez (24) and Umar Akmal (five) in his four-over spell. Paceman Nuwan Kulasekera was the most impressive bowler, finishing with 2-13 off four tight overs. Sri Lanka rested skipper Mahela Jayawardene and paceman Lasith Malinga and brought in Isuru Udana and Chamara Kapugedera. from AFP.