Wajahatullah powers Pakistan A to victory

Wajahatullah Wasti smashed an impressive century to power Pakistan A to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka A in the opening game of the triangular tournament in Colombo. Wajahatullah hit 101 from 118 balls as Pakistan made light work of a testing target, completing victory with 15 balls to spare.

Wajahatullah's innings cancelled out a fine century from Michael Vandort, who batted through the Sri Lankan innings, facing 148 balls and anchoring the batting performance. They lost three quick wickets, following an opening stand of 66, as Yasir Arafat struck to reduce them to 77 for 3, before Russel Arnold joined Vandort, adding 125 for the fourth wicket. Though Arnold fell just before the final onslaught, a quick innings from Prasanna Jayawardene ensured Sri Lanka posted a competitive total.

But Pakistan's reply started briskly, despite the early loss of Ashar Zaidar, trapped lbw by Dilhara Fernando. They were always up with the required run-rate thanks to Bazid Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, who chipped in with useful 40's, Misbah adding 115 with Wajahatullah to put them in complete control. Wajahatullah was bowled by Thilina Kandamby shortly after reaching his ton, but an unbeaten stand of 52 between Hasan Raza and Faisal Iqbal saw Pakistan home.

England A are the third team in the tournament, and their first match is on Monday against Sri Lanka, who will want to bounce back from this defeat to keep themselves in with a chance of reaching the final.