Sri Lanka struggle to 232-9 against Pakistan in 1st ODI

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Hosts Sri Lanka struggled to 232 for nine from their 50 overs after being put into bat in the first one-day international against Pakistan on Thursday.

Allrounder Angelo Mathews top-scored with 43 from 50 balls as the hosts struggled on a difficult pitch. Captain Kumar Sangakkara scored 36 and Mahela Jayawardene made 33 before being run out.

Sri Lanka slumped to 131 for six at one stage before Mathews led a recovery, adding 42 with Nuwan Kulasekara (16) for the seventh wicket.

Muttiah Muralitharan celebrated his return to international cricket after a knee injury with an entertaining 32 from 15 balls, an innings that included four fours and a six.

Left-arm pace bowler Mohammad Aamer returned three for 45 from 10 overs.