DHAKA: Lahiru Thirimanne struck a wellpaced 101 as Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final of the Asia Cup on Saturday.

Thirimanne added 156 for the third wicket with Mahela Jayawardene (75) as Sri Lanka scored 261-5 in 46.2 overs after pace bowler Lasith Malinga`s haul of 5-56 had helped restrict Pakistan to 260-5.

Thirimanne and Malinga had also starred in Sri Lanka`s 12-run win over Pakistan earlier in the league. Thirimanne scored 102 in that game while Malinga had bagged 5-52.

`Pm happy to have scored runs against Pakistan, Thirimanne said. `I wanted to bat through the innings today because 260 is a gettable total but we needed someone to hang in there.`-AP Details on Sport Pages