Published: Oct 09, 2017, 05:34 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 09, 2017, 05:34 PM (IST)
The second and final Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is interestingly poised at tea on Day Four. After amassing a mammoth lead of 220 runs, Sri Lanka failed to maintain the momentum and folded for 96 in their second innings. Wahab Riaz’s inspiration spell, 9-0-41-4, was equally complimented by Yasir Shah and Haris Sohail. In reply, Pakistan are 15 for 1; chasing 317.
Resuming with a lead of 254 runs. Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis took guard but wickets kept falling. On a fuller delivery, Dickwell got a healthy edge and was neatly taken by Sarfraz Ahmed off Riaz. Sri Lanka, from 34 for 5, were quickly reduced to 60 for 7. Rangana Herath and Kusal Mendis played their shots and propelled the lead close to the 300-run mark. Nonetheless, Haris’ three scalps in an over wrecked Sri Lanka’s innings for 96. Mendis and Herath were caught, on a sweep shot, opening Pakistan’s doors for a dramatic victory.
Pakistan, however, lost Sami Aslam before the break. Aslam got a reprieve after he got an edge on a no-ball, but threw his wicket soon. He dabbed one towards third man, with slips in place, and was caught by Mendis. Azhar Ali and Babar Azam need to bat out till stumps for Pakistan to stay in contest for another day.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 482 and 96 (Kusal Mendis 29, Niroshan Dickwella 21; Wahab Riaz 4 for 41, Haris Sohail 1 for 3) lead Pakistan 262 and 15 for 1 (Shan Masood 3*, Azhar Ali 9*; Lahiru Gamage 1 for 8) by 302 runs.
