FORMER Hampshire all-rounder Shahid Afridi failed to provide any more spectacular batting fireworks as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to win the Asia Cup.

The all-rounder had produced two superb displays of lower order big hitting to help Pakistan beat India and Bangladesh en route to the final.

But he only came in with two balls left of the innings as the defending champions reached 260-5 from their 50 overs.

A century from Lahiru Thirimanne and 75 from Mahela Jayawardene helped to steer Sri Lanka home with 22 balls spare.

Against India, Afridi - who helped Hampshire reach t20 finals day in 2011 – belted an unbeaten 34 off just 18 balls.

That was only a prelude to a remarkable 59 off 25 balls – including seven sixes – as Pakistan chased over 300 to beat Bangladesh.