Pak suffer after Lankan double blow

Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 253 and Dilhara Fernando took four wickets to put Sri Lanka on the brink of a crushing win over Pakistan on the fo...

Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 253 and Dilhara Fernando took four wickets to put Sri Lanka on the brink of a crushing win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the first Test on Saturday.

Fernando rocked the hosts, chasing a Test record-equalling 418 for victory, reducing them to 114 for four at the close, with Yousuf Youhana unbeaten on 23 and Shoaib Malik on three.

Fernando upstaged Jayasuriya’s third Test double hundred with a stunning spell of swing bowling at a lively pace on a placid pitch.

Story continues below this ad

He trapped openers Yasir Hameed (17) and Imran Farhat (53) lbw and bowled Asim Kamal (one) and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq (3).

Fernando took three wickets in 24 balls and then clipped Inzamam’s off stump to dash Pakistan’s hopes of achieving their highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Tests. They made 315 to beat Australia in Karachi in 1994. Sri Lanka have won their last two Test series in Pakistan and beat their Asian rivals in the 2002 Asian Test championship final.

Jayasuriya was earlier in complete command as Sri Lanka recovererd from the loss of five wickets in the day’s opening session to post a total of 438 in their second innings.

Brief scores

Sri Lanka: 243 and 438 (S Jayasuriya 253, K Sangakkara 59, M Jayawardene 57; S Akhtar 3/115, D Kaneria 4/117) vs Pakistan: 264 and 114/4 (I Farhat 53 ; D Fernando 4/27).

‘Violence in Nepal is heart-rending’: PM Modi expresses concern as KP Sharma Oli resigns

India3 hr ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed worry about the turmoil in Nepal and stressed the need for peace and stability. The Nepal Army and security officials called for dialogue to restore order amidst growing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The Indian government issued a safety advisory for Indian citizens, advising against travel until the situation improves.

View all shorts

Live Blog