Afridi inspires Pakistan’s T20 win over Lanka

COLOMBO: Shahid Afridi shone with bat and ball on his debut as Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain to steer the world champions to an emphatic 52-run win over Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Afridi smashed 50 off 37 balls in Pakistan’s 172-5, then claimed 1-21 and effected a run out with a direct throw as Sri Lanka were out for 120 with 11 balls to spare. Seamer Rana Naved and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal picked up three wickets each to stun the hosts. Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals with skipper Kumar Sangakkara the only batsman to offer resistance against the fired-up Pakistanis with 38 off 31 balls.