Rangana Herath bowled Sri Lanka to a surprising 21-run win over Pakistan on Monday, snaring six wickets on the final day of the series-opening take a look at and turning into the primary left-arm spinner to assert 400 wickets in cricket’s conventional format.
The 39-year-old orthodox spinner snared 6-41 within the second innings, giving him 11 for the match — as Sri Lanka defended its meagre 135-run benefit on a dramatic day when 16 wickets tumbled in three classes. Sri Lanka resumed at 69-Four and misplaced its final six wickets for the addition of 69 runs on the final morning to be bowled out for 138, setting Pakistan a goal of 136 for victory. Pakistan’s chase began badly, dropping wickets at Four, 7, 16 and 32 earlier than limping to tea at 67-5 and establishing a tense final session.
Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed shared an innings-reviving 42-run stand with Haris Sohail however when he was stumped, advancing down the wicket to Herath, Pakistan slumped to 78-6 and Sri Lanka had the higher hand.
Sohail, who scored a defiant 76 and was the final man out in Pakistan’s first innings of 422, stored his staff’s hopes alive till he was trapped lbw with a ball from Dilruwan Perera that hit the again leg. He grafted for 34 runs from 69 deliveries and his dismissal left Pakistan needing 38 runs with three wickets in hand.
Herath ensured it for the guests when he bowled Hassan Ali (eight) and Mohammad Amir (9) and had Mohammad Abbas out lbw to wrap up the match.
(With AP Inputs).
