Malinga inspires Lankan win over Pakistan

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DUBAI, Nov 15 (AFP): Sling-action paceman Lasith Malinga took three wickets to help Sri Lanka to a 25-run win over Pakistan in the second one day international to level the five-match series 1-1 here on Monday. Malinga took two wickets in the first over and then returned in his second spell to finish with 3-36 to help dismiss Pakistan for 210 in 46.3 overs after setting them a target of 236 runs at Dubai stadium. Pakistan won the first match by eight wickets, also played here on Friday. Umar Akmal led the chase with a brilliant 102-ball 91 but Pakistan lost three wickets in succession in the batting power-play, including that of Akmal which saw them lose their way. Akmal hit one six and eight boundaries -- three of them in Dilhara Fernando's 38th over -- before hitting the sixth delivery of the same over straight into the hands of mid-on to end Pakistan's hopes of winning. Earlier the 28-year-old Malinga removed opener Mohammad Hafeez (four) with the third delivery of his first over -- his 150th one-day wicket in his 96th match -- and then Younis Khan (nought) off the fifth -- both caught behind. Earlier Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga (77) and Mahela Jayawardene (50) set the foundations for the Sri Lankan total. Sri Lanka 235 for 7 (Tharanga 77, Jayawardene 50, Ajmal 3-61) beat Pakistan 210 (Umar 91, Malinga 3-36) by 25 runs.