Late heroics from Shahid Afridi and Anwar Ali helped Pakistan as they recovered from 40-5 to beat Sri Lanka by one wicket in Colombo.

The hosts set a testing target for the tourists after Chamara Kapugedera scored 48 off 37 balls to steer Sri Lanka to 173-2 from their 20 overs.

Pakistan's reply got off to a difficult start when Binura Fernando removed both openers to reduce Afridi's side to 16-2.

Mohammed Hafeez (11) and Umar Akmal (4) were then run out in successive overs before Shoaib Malik was also dismissed to leave Pakistan toiling at 40-5.

Afridi then tried to drag his team back into contention with 45 from 22 balls before he was bowled by Shehan Jayasuriya to leave the visitors on 107-7.

However, Ali blasted 46 from 17 deliveries to bring the visitors within reach of a dramatic victory before Imad Wasim (24 not out) scored the winning runs as Pakistan scraped home by one wicket.