Malinga shines on return as Lanka beat UAE in Asia Cup

Mirpur: Sri Lanka Twenty20 captain Lasith Malinga grabbed four wickets in his comeback game to guide his side to a thrilling 14-run win over the United Arab Emirates in the second match of the Asia Cup here at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

Put in to bat, Sri Lanka made a modest 129 for eight in their stipulated 20 overs despite opener Dinesh Chandimal’s 39-ball 50.

In reply, the UAE could only make 115 for nine in their allotted overs, with Swapnil Patil top scoring with 37 as fast bowler Malinga made a stunning comeback in his first game since November 2015 to hold a late fightback from the opposition.

Veteran spinner Rangana Herath (2-22) and fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara (3-10) shared five wickets between them after they missed the T20 series against India earlier this month.

The defending champions will next face hosts Bangladesh at the same venue on Sunday. (ANI)