Surprised by Namibia in their tournament opener, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback, thrashing the UAE by a massive 79 runs to better their net run rate, which got a beating in the first match.

Opener Pathum Nissanka hit a 60-ball 74 with the help of six boundaries and two sixes to take Sri Lanka to 152/8. But overall, it was again an unimpressive batting display from the Lankans as only three batters got double-digit scores.

UAE never looked in the chase with pacer Dushmantha Chameera (3/15) and spinners Wanindu Hasaranga (3/8) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/15) bowling them out for 73 in 17.1 overs.

Despite the loss, UAE spinner Karthik Meiyappan got his name up in the record books by becoming the first bowler to claim a hat-trick in this T20 World Cup. Meiyappan, 22, dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka and captain Dasun Shanaka in the 15th over of the Lankan innings.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 152/8 in 20 overs. UAE 73 in 17.1 overs. Sri Lanka won by 79 runs.

Written with inputs from PTI