Razzaq steps up for Pakistan

Cricket: All-rounder Abdul Razzaq excelled with bat and ball to haul Pakistan to a thrilling four wicket victory over Sri Lanka…

Cricket:All-rounder Abdul Razzaq excelled with bat and ball to haul Pakistan to a thrilling four wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their opening Champions Trophy Group B tie.

Razzaq grabbed four wickets to restrict Sri Lanka to 253 all out in 49.2 overs and then smashed 38 not out off 24 balls to steer Pakistan to 255 for six in 48.1 overs.

Opener Sanath Jayasuriya hit 48 from 35 balls with useful contributions down the order which helped Sri Lanka reach a challenging total after skipper Mahela Jayawardene elected to bat.

Pakistan opener Imran Farhat hit 53 and vice-captain Mohammad Younis contributed 49 in reply.

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It was a stunning comeback for the team which was in crisis yesterday after strike bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were sent home after testing positive for nandrolone.