News : 

An unbeaten eighth-wicket stand between Thisara Perera and Nuwan Kulasekara proved decisive as Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 37 runs in the opening T20 in Hambantota.

The hosts were rocking on 89 for seven in the 17th over when the tail-end duo were paired at the crease, but Perera's 16-ball 32 helped Sri Lanka to 132 from their 20 overs.

Pakistan then lost Mohammad Hafeez and Shakeel Ansar with the first two balls of their reply and Angelo Mathews claimed two wickets for the loss of just eight runs as the visitors limped to 95 all out inside 18 overs.

Views :

A start that new captain Hafeez could have easily done away with. Pakistan restricted Sri Lanka to 132 and did remarkably well to sufficate the runs till 17thover. The last 3 overs though, Sri Lanka managed to scrape through with Perera blitz.

Still, a comfortable target to chase, many would have said. But Pakistan started to tumble right from the start. Sri Lanka was aggressive and disciplined in its bowling and that has given SL a lead in this 2 match twenty-20 series.