The 39-year-old orthodox spinner snared 6-41 within the second innings – giving him 11 for the match – as Sri Lanka defended its meager 135-run benefit on a dramatic day when 16 wickets tumbled in three classes.
Sri Lanka resumed at 69-Four on the fifth morning and was bowled out for 138, setting Pakistan a goal of 136 for victory.
Pakistan’s chase began badly, shedding wickets at Four, 7, 16 and 32 earlier than limping to tea at 67-5, organising 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, saved his crew’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 skittle Pakistan for 114.
Within the course of, he lifted his profession tally to 101 take a look at wickets in opposition to Pakistan and 400 total.
Herath famous there was help from the pitch late within the match, however he was feeling sore after a marathon bowling spell.
However his overwhelming feeling was pleasure.
“I used to be so pleased with the outstanding achievement,” of 400 wickets, Herath was quoted as saying. “All credit score ought to go to the individuals behind me, from my dad and mom to the crew and the supporting workers.”
It was Pakistan’s first Check defeat in Abu Dhabi, one of many crew’s properties away from house whereas worldwide cricket is suspended of their nation.
Dinesh Chandimal’s unbeaten 155 helped Sri Lanka to a primary innings of 419, with key contributions from Dimuth Karunaratne (93) and Niroshan Dickwella (83). Bat continued to dominate ball in Pakistan’s reply, with the highest three batsmen posting half centuries and Sohail including his worthwhile 76 to present his crew a three-run first-innings margin.
Because the wicket deteriorated, although, the spin bowlers began to claim themselves and Yasir Shah’s 5-51 contained Sri Lanka’s second innings and seemingly put Pakistan in command – with Dickwella’s unbeaten 40 serving to the guests mount a rear-guard and finally match-winning lower-order rally from 101-Eight to 138 all out.
“Dickwella was unbelievable within the second innings, he acquired us to (virtually) 140,” Chandimal mentioned. “We knew as soon as we acquired that a lot, we have now our legend (Herath) right here.
“We knew if there have been a few early wickets, we’d do nicely. Credit score to the bowlers who put (in) their coronary heart and soul.”
Sarfraz mentioned his Pakistani crew was bitterly dissatisfied after feeling they need to have gained.
“We’ve a number of points, particularly within the fifth day after we come underneath strain,” he mentioned. “Some issues have to vary – we would have liked a partnership and did not get one. We’ll attempt to bounce again within the subsequent sport,” he added.
The second Check begins on Friday in Dubai.
