LAHORE: Undefeated half-centuries by Badar Munir and Ayub Khan steered Pakistan to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first of three matches of the one-day blind cricket series in Colombo on Thursday.

Set to chase 217, Pakistan overhauled got the required runs in just 18.3 overs for the loss of two wickets as Badar cracked 64 and Ayub 55 to ensure a cakewalk victory.

Ayub and fellow opener Mohsin Khan provided a grand start of 112 in 11 overs before Badar joined Ayub to guide Pakistan to victory.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and asked hosts to bat first. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 216 in 31.5 overs. Saman Kumara (42) and Silva (26) were the prominent scorers for the home side.

Fakhar Abbas, a B1 category pace bowler, claimed three wickets for 37 runs, while debutant Shahzaib Hyder took wickets.

Badar also excelled with the ball taking two wickets. He later declared man-of-the-match.

The second match will be played on Friday at the BRC Ground in Colombo.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2019