Taha’s report has landed which is my cue to get out of here. Congratulations Pakistan and thanks for your company, the OBO will return…

I think we can all agree that tri-tournaments are a much better spectacle than bilateral series, this one has thrown up some brilliant moments and genuinely thrilling matches. That was a suitably fitting final, both sides were in it for the entire game until Minhas and Nawaz showed the mettle to get Pakistan home.

Just the 16 runs and two wickets off Asitha Fernando’s ninth over.

Pakistan need two runs to win and have twelve balls (and three wickets) in which to get them.

Arafat Minhas clobbers two SIXES in a row to get Pakistan nearly, nearly over the line.

He then drives Fernando down the ground for four more to leave just two runs needed to win…

47th over: Pakistan 308-5 (Nawaz 36, Minhas 45) Shot! Madushanka goes full and Arafat Minhas is waiting for it, lofting a hold the pose check drive over mid on for SIX. That’s the shot of the evening and you sense Sri Lanka know the jig us up now. Nawaz gets in on the act with a squared drive for four. What a partnership this has been, Pakistan were wobbling but they rebuilt calmly and are now taking them over the line in style.

18 needed off 18 balls.

46th over: Pakistan 295-5 (Nawaz 31, Minhas 38) That’s the big over that could seal it for Pakistan! Minhas clears the front leg and maaaaarmalises a SIX off Shanaka into the stands behind the midwicket boundary. Nawaz dabs deftly for four and in total fifteen crucial runs come off the 46th over. That leaves Pakistan red hot favourites with 31 needed to win off 24 balls. Sri Lanka need to go bang bang bang (bang bang).

45th over: Pakistan 280-5 (Nawaz 25, Minhas 29) Four singles off Fernando’s first four balls and the umpires decide it is time for a change of ball. Maybe this one will hoop around corners? Not if pitched there – Arafat drills Fernando down the ground for four and bunts a full bunger for two to make it ten off the over. Rinse and repeat five times and Pakistan are home.

That’s a crucial fifty partnership stand between this pair too. 46 needed from 30 balls.

44th over: Pakistan 270-5 (Nawaz 21, Minhas 23) Theekshana is bowled out, six runs off his final over leave him with figures of 1-57. Asitha Fernando is coming back into the attack with three overs up his sleeve. Time to strike. 56 from 36.

43rd over: Pakistan 264-5 (Nawaz 21, Minhas 17) Pakistan get their first boundary in over ten overs and it needed a mis-field at cover to help them on their way. Minhas drives and two becomes four. 62 from 42.

42nd over: Pakistan 257-5 (Nawaz 18, Minhas 13) Pakistan are sputtering here, they still can’t find the fence and the worm is only getting taller. Wellalage finishes his ten with 1-58.

41st over: Pakistan 249-5 (Nawaz 15, Minhas 8) I’ve just raided my five year old’s trick or treat sweet supply in anticipation of a spicy finish. The Skittles should kick in soon. 77 off 54…

40th over: Pakistan 244-5 (Nawaz 13, Minhas 5) No boundary for seven overs and counting, Pakistan just dealing in singles, Sri Lanka licking their lips. We’re into the last ten overs so another fielder can patrol the deep.

39th over: Pakistan 238-5 (Nawaz 10, Minhas 2) The runs have dried up and the bowling and fielding is much tighter. Just three runs off Wellalage’s ninth over, we’re going to the wire folks, ain’t no thang. 88 from 66. Five wickets remaining… put a couple wickets on that.

38th over: Pakistan 235-5 (Nawaz 8, Minhas 1) Sri Lanka sense their moment and tighten the screws just a little. Theekshana goes over, goes round and limits the runs to just five off the over. The required rate is up at eights.

37th over: Pakistan 230-5 (Nawaz 4, Minhas 0) Two new batters at the crease now for Pakistan, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz. 96 needed from 78 balls, I reckon this is going to get squeaky.

36th over: Pakistan 226-4 (Agha 14, Nawaz 3) Just two off Madushanka’s eighth over. He’s got 3-43 which is a top effort. 100 needed from 84 balls.

35th over: Pakistan 224-4 (Agha 13, Nawaz 2) Wellalage rattles through an over for just four runs. 102 needed off 90 balls. A flutter of wickets would make things very interesting.

34th over: Pakistan 220-4 (Agha 11, Nawaz 0) Hasan Nawaz joins Salman Agha in the middle. Pakistan need 106 runs from 96 balls. Might we see a twist in the tale in the next hour or so? I wouldn’t rule it out.

33rd over: Pakistan 216-3 ( Fakhar Zaman 124, Agha 10) Fakhar is in a hurry now, he pulls and cuts for two fours off Wellalage. It’s now or never for Sri Lanka, they have to get him out to get a sniff.

32nd over: Pakistan 204-3 ( Fakhar Zaman 113, Agha 10) Stop the clock. Fast eh? Fakhar slams the first ball back after the drinks break for SIX. Only a single off the rest of Madushanka’s over but Pakistan look to be strolling this. Ahem.

31st over: Pakistan 197-3 ( Fakhar Zaman 106, Agha 10) Wellalage back into the attack with his fifth over. Four singles picked off without fuss and time for a drink. I’m going to make a rapid cup of Kenco… time me time me!

30th over: Pakistan 193-3 ( Fakhar Zaman 104, Agha 8) There it is! Fakhar Zaman brings up his century in style with a rasping pull shot off Asitha Fernando. The ball flies like a tracer bullet to the square leg boundary, Fakhar removes his helmet, salutes the crowd and then drops to his knees in prayer. 83 balls for his 12th ODI ton and he’s given his side a huge chance at winning this tri-tournament.

Pakistan need 133 from 20 overs

29th over: Pakistan 182-3 ( Fakhar Zaman 97, Agha 4) Fakhar goes to 97 with a scorching drive through cover. He deserves a ton here.

28th over: Pakistan 174-3 ( Fakhar Zaman 91, Agha 2) Asitha Fernando back into the attack. Have a look? Nah. Fakhar dances down and slams him for SIX. Fernando does well to limit the damage to eleven runs from the over.

27th over: Pakistan 163-3 ( Fakhar Zaman 82, Agha 0) Can Sri Lanka get themselves back into this final? Salman Agha is the new batter, Pakistan need 163 from 23 overs.

26th over: Pakistan 154-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 73, Saad Baig 74) Shanaka goes short but Baig once again shows his command of the pull shot by bisecting the field on the leg side. A compact drive for two makes it nine off the over. Sri Lankan heads are beginning to go down.

25th over: Pakistan 145-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 70, Saad Baig 68) Now then! Theekshana spills a sharp return catch from Fakhar and that’s a tough but very take-able chance gone begging. The sort of chance Sri Lanka need to take to get themselves back into this final. The previous two balls had been hit for consecutive boundaries too, that hurts. Ten runs off the over.

24th over: Pakistan 135-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 61, Saad Baig 67) Fakhar is mostly using brute force and power whereas Baig is finding the boundaries with deft touches. More than one way to ice a run chase. Shanaka offers a smidge of width and is run down to deep third for four by Baig. Touch.

23rd over: Pakistan 128-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 59, Saad Baig 62) Pedal meet metal? Fakhar dances down the track to Wellalage and hits him into the stands at midwicket. The pitch looks even paced with plenty of true bounce, ominous signs for Sri Lanka.

22nd over: Pakistan 119-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 52, Saad Baig 60) The 100 partnership is duly notched and Fakhar then goes to his 20th ODI half century with a meaty smear for four into the leg side. He’s doing the business when it really matters again.

21st over: Pakistan 113-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 47, Saad Baig 59) Wellalage’s copy book is blotted with his final ball as Baig rocks back and glides with velvet hands for four to make it eight off the over. The partnership is up to 99 runs and counting, it it going to decide this final?

20th over: Pakistan 105-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 45, Saad Baig 53) That’s a maiden ODI half century for Saad Baig, he’s purred along at a run a ball against seam and spin. Sri Lanka show their desperation somewhat by reviewing for an LBW that pitched outside leg and was going over the top. The less said about that the better.

19th over: Pakistan 97-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 44, Saad Baig 47) Wellalage is worked for three runs. Dasun Shanaka is coming into the attack for the first time as Sri Lanka shuffle the pack in an attempt to break this partnership.

18th over: Pakistan 94-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 43, Saad Baig 45) Saad continues to look dangerous as he smites Madushanka over midwicket dismissively for four.

17th over: Pakistan 87-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 41, Saad Baig 40) Wellalage into the attack for the first time, he can’t find the breakthrough but a tidy over sees just three runs scored.

16th over: Pakistan 84-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 39, Saad Baig 39) Madushanka retuns to the fold but he’s too full and pinged over midwicket for four by Saad. Dangerous times, and that’s drinks.

15th over: Pakistan 79-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 39, Saad Baig 34) Sahan Arachchige into the attack with his off breaks. Five balls and five singles but the final ball is cut late and delicately by Fakhar to the point fence. Sri Lanka need to break this partnership pronto.

14th over: Pakistan 70-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 33, Saad Baig 31) Liyanage loses his line, slinging one down the leg side that is easy for Saad to flick for four with fine leg up in the ring.

13th over: Pakistan 62-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 30, Saad Baig 26) Theekshana again tightens things right up. Just two off the over. At this stage Sri Lanka were 70-0, in the balance you’d say.

12th over: Pakistan 60-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 29, Saad Baig 25) That’s BIG! Just a single from Liyanage’s first five deliveries but Fakhar doesn’t let him off so easily, the final ball of the over is flicked high and long over square leg for SIX. The crowd enjoyed that one. This partnership is building and becoming more of a worry for Sri Lanka, both batters are now set and have the capability to destroy a bowling attack.

11th over: Pakistan 53-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 24, Saad Baig 23) Another nice over from Theekshana, skidding it on and rushing the batters. Just three singles off it. Liyanage is coming into the attack.

10th over: Pakistan 50-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 22, Saad Baig 22) Pakistan reach the end of the first Powerplay with a couple of boundaries to inject some impetus. Saad uses the width on offer from Fernando to cut for four and Fakhar has had enough of playing the ball on its merits, he plants the front foot and wipes across the line for four. Not pretty, but effective.

9th over: Pakistan 41-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 18, Saad Baig 17) Theekshana builds the pressure, just two singles off the over. Big shot incoming? Nope. Fakhar defends the sixth ball. It might not be long though.

8th over: Pakistan 39-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 17, Saad Baig 16) Asitha Fernando into his fourth over. He keeps Baig quiet with a tight line on off stump. Baig cuts powerfully but can’t beat the infield. Another maiden builds a bit of pressure.

Over in Cape Town… South Africa are one wicket away from securing a BIG series win against the Aussies. Of course you’ll be staying right where you are… but just in case:

7th over: Pakistan 39-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 17, Saad Baig 16) Time for some spin as Theekshana is introduced. His stiff approach and fast arm could be tricky on this wicket. Oh. What do I know – Fakhar clears the front dog and slams his third ball into the stands behind midwicket. SIX. The bowler recovers well though and it is dots for the rest of the over which limits the damage.

6th over: Pakistan 33-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 11, Saad Baig 16) Ten runs off the over in total as Baig continues in swashbuckling style. Madushanka drops short two balls in a row and is pulled dismissively for four two balls in a row by Saad. He’s some player this guy.

5th over: Pakistan 23-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 10, Saad Baig 8) Asitha Fernando is miserly and calms things down with a tight over that results in just one single to Fakhar.

4th over: Pakistan 22-2 ( Fakhar Zaman 9, Saad Baig 8) It’s all happening. Babar departs and is replace by Saad Baig who we’ve already seen play some wonderful strokes in this series. He starts in fine fashion, cutting through point for four off his first ball and then dabbing to deep third for another off his second.

3rd over: Pakistan 14-1 ( Fakhar Zaman 9, Babar Azam 0) Hearts in mouths in Lahore! Fakhar upper cuts to deep third, the fielder on the rope leaps and palms it over the rope for SIX! Eeesht. Fakhar looked to be in trouble there, the fielder took a step in as the ball flew to him which made the catch harder whereas if he had stayed on the sponge it would have been much more gettable. As it is he could only tip it over the bar.

2nd over: Pakistan 8-1 ( Fakhar Zaman 3, Babar Azam 0) A huge cheer as Babar Azam comes out at first drop. He’s always the big wicket. Madushanka finishes a fine wicket maiden with two dots to Babar, back of a length and forcing him to play on off stump.

1st over: Pakistan 8-0 ( Fakhar 3, Maaz 5) Asitha gets some dewy nip off the surface but the crowd erupt as Maaz Sadaqat stands tall and punches the first boundary through the covers. Plenty of authority in that stroke. Fakhar is off the mark with a tickle down the leg side and a drive for two sees eight runs scored off the first over.

I’d rather have runs on the board in this situation but as we’ve seen in this tri-series, no target is out of reach either.

Thanks Tanya and hello all. I confess I’ve been a little pre-occupied with events in Cape Town for the last few hours but am now locked into this – THE BIG ONE.

Pakistan’s openers take to the field under floodlights, Fakhar Zaman is fit enough to come out after spending most of the Pakistan fielding innings off the pitch after taking a knock. Maaz Sadaqat is his fellow southpaw opener. Asitha Fernando has the ball at the top of his mark. Let’s play!

That was a lovely little musical interlude in 50 overs. A slow movement to start from Sri Lanka’s openers, a brief period of cruise control, then the drums, the drums, as Pakistan came back. A wonderful century from Kamindu Mendis looked like the platform for 400, especially during the 146-run stand with Pavan Rathnayake, who made 77, but such discipline from Pakistan in the last ten. It’s still a great score though. Jim will carry you through what has potential to be a thrilling chase. Thanks for your emails, bye!

49th over: Sri Lanka 321-8 (Asitha 5, Theekshana 7) Naseem with the penultimate over. It’s a mixed bag. He starts with a Arachchige’s wicket, throws in a couple of wides, Theekshana smashes six down the ground and Asitha toe ends four to finish.

Dean Kinsella is back: “Oh no Tanya. It seems I bigged up SL too soon. I thought they were gonna get 350 minimum. I should know by now to say nothing!” Me too, this really has been a limp to the line, but Pakistan haeve been excellent at the death.”

48th over: Sri Lanka 307-7 (Arachchige 15, Theekshana 2) Rauf has been super today. Arachchige pulls him over midwicket for four, but Wellalage is wicket number two. Theekshana ducks into a bouncer and is clattered on the helmet, picks up a couple and passes a concussion test. A slow over rate means only four fielders will be allowed outside the 30 yard circle for Pakistan’s last two overs.

47th over: Sri Lanka 299-6 (Arachchige 10, Wellalage 2) Some of the stands at this lovely cricket bowl are nearly full now, the noise levels rising. More so as Liyannage fails to reach the rope. Sri Lanka will pass 300 but not get a sniff of what looked possible at half way.

46th over: Sri Lanka 291-5 (Liyanage 6, Arachchige 3) Shaheen pulls out a fast reversing yorker from his bag of tricks, but Arachchige keeps it out. Immaculate over, just four from it.

45th over: Sri Lanka 285-5 (Liyanage 3, Arachchige 1) An eventful over from Rauf that started with Liyange taking a nasty blow on the back/neck via a wild throw from Shaheen, who apologises immediately. Ooof that must have hurt. Somehow, he’s good to continue. Then the wicket, and just five from the over. Good comeback by Pakistan who now have two new batters at the crease.

44th over: Sri Lanka 282-4 (Rathnayake 77, Liyanage 1) Shaheen fancies two in a row, but it’s a terrible review. Three singles follow. Shanaka will be fuming to miss the finale.

43rd over: Sri Lanka 278-3 ( Rathnayake 75, Shanaka 17) Haris Rauf’s first ball is tonked through extra cover for four by Rathnayake, his third glided away by Shanaka. Super running by Sri Lanka turns one to two. A third four is whipped off Shanaka’s boots. Fifteen from the over.

42nd over: Sri Lanka 263-3 ( Rathnayake 70, Shanaka 7) Shaheen nails three yorkers, but Shanaka isn’t hanging about and with the theatrical swish of a curtain, slams him over long on for six – his tenth of the tournament. Only Harry Brook (12 ) has more. After Kamindu was out, Shaheen raced to shake his hand before he walked off.

41st over: Sri Lanka 255-2 (Kamindu 131, Rathnayake 69) Rathnayake is on the charge, sweeping two fours brutally, then Kamindu tucks into a low full toss, one bounce over the rope. Worse, it’s a no ball, but he can only mine one off the free hit, which is pulled straight to long on.

40th over: Sri Lanka 238-2 (Kamindu 126, Rathnayake 58) Naseem Shah with his eighth over, crouches at the top of his run, wipes his sweat away. And there’s the scoop, a reverse, done on the move with style, but only for two. A run-out chance as Kamindu turns back midway down the pitch but the throw misses. Ten overs left as a fading sun has one last blaze.

39th over: Sri Lanka 232-2 (Kamindu 122, Rathnayake 55) Sri Lanka can’t get Arafat away to the rope but still pick up six from the over.

An email drops. Hello Dean Kinsella! “Wow. Just tuned in after following the Saffers destroying Oz this morning. So this is looking like a mammoth total for Sri Lanka. They must be considered serious contenders for the world cup next year. And nothing would please me more.” Wouldn’t that be a cracking narrative? So impressed with their batters, not only the shotmaking but also the composure.

37th over: Sri Lanka 216-2 (Kamindu 113, Rathnayake 49) A tasty short ball from Arafat is pounced on by Rathnayake who pulls it over midwicket.

36th over: Sri Lanka 210-2 (Kamindu 112, Rathnayake 44) Farheem again, long run up, long sleeves. On TMS, Steven Finn says in this scenario England would be looking for the scoops but, as it turns out, Rathnayake doesn’t need to – he flames a short ball to the rope then drives, divinely, on the up, off the back foot to bring up the 100 partnership. The current run rate is just under six an over.

35th over: Sri Lanka 200-2 (Kamindu 111, Rathnayake 35) Haris Rauf seems the most likely, and Shaheen keeps him on. We pause after one ball as Mendis gets an elongated arm massage and a pickle juice. The umpires, in tight-fitting florescent pink, are unimpressed. A top edge flies through where first slip might have hovered.

33rd over: Sri Lanka 185-2 (Kamindu 99, Rathnayake 32) After a pause for more drinks, they resume at the Gaddafi stadium. Haris Rauf is brought back with Kamindu just three short of his first ODI century. There he must remain for another over but Rathnayake, nimble footed, hauls four with style.

32nd over: Sri Lanka 176-2 (Kamindu 97, Rathnayake 25) In the Tepal tea lounge, four immaculate looking Pakistan fans serenely sip. Ah, Faheem Ahraf for the first time today. He keeps it tight for five balls, Kamindu pulls his last, which is heading to the rope but well fielded in the deep.

31st over: Sri Lanka 171-2 (Kamindu 94, Rathnayake 23) Pakistan aren’t letting Sri Lanka charge into the distance, but two wides from Shaheen are not ideal in an over that has already leaked six.

30th over: Sri Lanka 164-2 (Kamindu 90, Rathnayake 21) Arafat whistles through an over, four singles from it.

29th over: Sri Lanka 159-2 (Kamindu 88, Rathnayake 19) Shaheen brings himself back on, Pakistan really could do with getting Kamindu out rapidly. The 50 partnership comes up in 44 balls as a huge kite drifts across the ground, in and out of the Lahore mist.

28th over: Sri Lanka 154-2 (Kamindu 86, Rathnayake 15) Kamindu, the most relaxed man in the world, oils his wrists and sends Arafat spilling through the covers for four.

Make that Australia 42 for six.

27th over: Sri Lanka 146-2 (Kamindu 80, Rathnayake 14) Naseem pushes his luscious hair back off his face while Shaheen stretches. A fierce bouncer beats Kamindu who just pulls out of a hook in time. Good over.

26th over: Sri Lanka 142-2 (Kamindu 78, Rathnayake 12) Arafat Minhas comes back, ushers his fielders into position with a wave of the hand. Sri Lanka are cautious, respectful.

Australia, incidentally, are four down in the thriller at Cape Town after an over eager Cameron Green runs out Josh Inglis.

25th over: Sri Lanka 138-2 (Kamindu 75, Rathnayake 11) Glorious from Rathnayake, who frying pans Naseem for four off the front foot over mid-on. A pretty drive deserves four but is cut off. The ground is busier now, plenty of people walking up and down the aisles.

24th over: Sri Lanka 128-2 (Kamindu 73, Rathnayake 3) Kamindu gets into position like a whippet and reverse sweeps four past backward point, he follows up with another boundary, this time just gently directed to deep third. Salman, previously economical, is not pleased.

23rd over: Sri Lanka 118-2 (Kamindu 64, Rathnayake 2) Shaheen saves some Haris Rauf for later and brings back Naseem Shah. He nearly picks up Kamindu as well, but a drive lands just short of extra cover.

22nd over: Sri Lanka 114-2 (Kamindu 61, Rathnayake 1) A catch that looks better with each replay! Kamindu picks up four off the last ball of the over with a turn of the bat.

21st over: Sri Lanka 108-1 (Kamindu 56, Kusal 8) Rauf starts with a super bouncer, which Kamindu dodges. But the next ball is driven with a flourish straight down the ground, past a diving Naseem, chased all the way by a sprinting Shaheen. Another sharp bouncer, this time evades Kusal, and a good stop at backward point next ball stems any runs. But Kusal finishes the over with a slam-dam launch down the ground for six! Great shot.

19th over: Sri Lanka 90-1 (Kamindu 45, Kusal 1) Haris Rauf hustles. Kusal is watchful. It is now 40 balls since Sri Lanka’s last boundary.

18th over: Sri Lanka 89-1 (Kamindu 44, Kusal 1) The end of an entertaining innings from Avishka, a breakthrough Pakistan desperately needed. Just three from Salman’s wicket-taking over.

17th over: Sri Lanka 86-0 (Avishka 38, Kamindu 42) A leading edge from Avishka falls just short of the charging Rauf in the first ball after the break. And so it continues as Rauf serves up an immaculate maiden, the first of the day.

16th over: Sri Lanka 86-0 (Avishka 38, Kamindu 42) Salman, tidy, just two singles from it, and they take DRINKS.

15th over: Sri Lanka 84-0 (Avishka 37, Kamindu 41) Time for some Haris Rauf. He rubs his hands in the dirt between balls, it’s a hot day out there. He bustles in, a sparkly extra-cover drive by Kamindu is the shot of the over and Sri Lanka mine four from it.

14th over: Sri Lanka 80-0 (Avishka 36, Kamindu 38) Kamindu stares at the umpire after he doesn’t signal wide to a ball flirting with the line. But Sri Lanka are moving along tolerably well, without taking too many risks.

13th over: Sri Lanka 72-0 (Avishka 31, Kamindu 36) Over number four for Arafat Minhas. A pretty pitiful effort from Naseem Shah on the rope allows Kamindu four from an authoratative sweep. Two wides in succession were not on the to-do list, nor was Fakhar limping off the field. Kamindu is given out caught behind, but immediately appeals and there is not a glimmer on ultra edge.

12th over: Sri Lanka 63-0 (Avishka 29, Kamindu 31) More spin, this time from Salman. Seven runs are mined from it, plus a wide will do very nicely.

11th over: Sri Lanka 55-0 (Avishka 26, Kamindu 27) Arafat whips through another over, just four singles from it.

Meanwhile, in Cape Town, Australia, chasing 288, have lost two wickets in their first over. Geoff Lemon is nervously watching.

10th over: Sri Lanka 51-0 (Avishka 24, Kamindu 25) Shaheen shimmies in with over number five. Kamindu has had enough faffing about and launches into hook which flies over fine leg for six. He tries again and may have got a feather on the ball, but it fails to carry through to Baig. At the end of the power play, a fairly equally balanced measure.

9th over: Sri Lanka 43-0 (Avishka 23, Kamindu 18) Arafat, shirt untucked, big white trainers, like any kid in any park. He’s on the money, varies his trajectory and float. Just a single from the over.

8th over: Sri Lanka 42-0 (Avishka 22, Kamindu 18) Just two runs from an immaculate Shaheen.

7th over: Sri Lanka 40-0 (Avishka 21, Kamindu 17) Spin from Arafat Minhas. Kamindu reverse-sweeps him for four, but otherwise he holds his line.

6th over: Sri Lanka 35-0 (Avishka 21, Kamindu 12) Booster rockets launched! Avishka first unfurls a divine cover drive for four, then picks up Naseem Shah bouncer and flays it over backward square leg for six, finishes with a straight drive that purrs over the rope.

5th over: Sri Lanka 20-0 (Avishka 7, Kamindu 12) A neat over by Shaheen, five dots and Kamindu tucks into a short one and dispatches it for four.

Apologies if you’ve tried to get through on email, the address was slightly wrong, should work now.

4th over: Sri Lanka 16-0 (Avishka 7, Kamindu 8) Shah, green paint across his cheek, hustles in. He donates a wide to a handful of singles than a beautifully timed nibble from Kamindu slides to the rope only to be cut off at the last by a sprinting Arafat Minhas.

3rd over: Sri Lanka 10-0 (Avishka 6, Kamindu 4) Shaheen, something less than a towel, more like an ironed pocket hankerchief, tucked into his waistband runs in. Kamindu launches into a pull but just collects a single, but Avishka collects the first boundary of the day to short fine leg.

2nd over: Sri Lanka 5-0 (Avishka 2, Kamindu 3) Pakistan’s James Dean, Naseem Shah, slides in at the other end. Shorter, skiddier. Sri Lanka’s eager beavers have to be content with knocking about a few singles.

Meanwhile, it is the first day of the season in the southern hemisphere where my nephew Winston made 71 for Avondale college to help win the game. A big auntie hug flying over the oceans.

1st over: Sri Lanka 2-0 (Avishka 2, Kamindu 0) The imposing figure of Shaheen Shah Afridi stands at the top of his mark, a still mountain before the dawn. He sprints in, elbows jutting, and his first ball is on the wide side of a yawn but the umpire ignores it. A scattering of a crowd are starting to settle in the green seats. And Sri Lanka get their first runs off the the last ball of a tidy over.

Apologies all, back online in time to see Pakistan strolling out to the middle.

Slight technical hitch here, as I’ve lost transmission, bear with me a minute.