Pakistan defeats Sri Lanka

Abdul Razzaq helped Pakistan forget their off-field problems in Jaipur with a dominant performance which helped overcome Sri Lanka by four wickets.

The all-rounder impressed with bat and ball in his team’s first match at the ICC Champions Trophy.

Without pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, Razzaq (pictured) took centre stage.

He claimed four for 50 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 253 and then hit a crucial unbeaten 38 off 24 balls just as the run chase reached its climax - winning the match with a straight six off Dilhara Fernando.

Shoaib Malik finished 46 not out having taken a back seat to his partner during the latter stages.

Sanath Jayasuriya made 48 from 35 balls in an opening stand of 63 in nine overs with Upal Tharanga.

Marvan Atapattu made 36 while tailender Farhaz Maharoof's 22 nudged his team over 250.

The BLACKCAPS take on Sri Lanka on Friday and Pakistan on Monday.