May 4, 2005	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 24, 1426

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ABU DHABI, May 3: Pakistan Masters XI got off to a winning start with a 76-run win over Sri Lankan Masters in the day/night tri-nation Shaikh Zayed Cup match on Monday. After putting up an imposing total of 290 for nine in 50 overs, Pakistan rocked the top order of Sri Lanka to leave them tottering on 90 for six. But Mahela Jayawardene (69) and Gayan Ramyakumara (58) put on 80 for the seventh wicket and Sri Lanka managed to restore some grace in defeat.

Rao Iftikhar was the pick of Pakistan bowlers with a three-wicket haul, while Younis Khan earned the best batsman and the Man-of-the-Match award for his unbeaten 71.

Pakistan are now the favourites to carry home the $25,000 first prize money and for India it could be a fight for the $15,000, although anything could happen on Tuesday.

Three half-century partnerships and pleasing displays by Younis and Shoaib Malik were all that was needed for the Pakistan Masters XI to set up a huge total. For a side batting second, the 291-run chase under lights was a difficult task and the Sri Lankan Masters soon ran into trouble.

In the absence of both Mohammad Sami and Rana Navedul Hasan, Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar opened for Pakistan and they came good with three quick wickets.

Rao Iftikhar dealt a crucial blow when he dismissed skipper Marvan Atapattu for a duck and then also accounted for Michael Vandort and Kumar Sangakkara.

With Shahid Afridi and Arshad also chipping in with wickets at crucial intervals, Sri Lanka were reduced to 90 for six.

Earlier in the afternoon, Afridi sizzled for a brief period before falling to a 16-ball 17 even as his supporters were filing in.

However, Salman Butt and Malik put together a 58-run partnership. Salman unleashed some sweetly-timed boundaries in his knock of 37 before he fell to Malinga after he changed ends, but Malik extended his good form from the Indian tour.

With Yousuf Youhana, who chipped in with a quick 28, Malik added another 51 runs off just 49 balls and the Pakistanis were heading for a big total.

Younis was also in top nick and the vice-captain kept the score moving to star in two good stands. First with Shoaib they put on a run-a-ball 43 stand and later with his skipper Inzamam, another rapid 52 off 53 balls.