KANDY, Sri Lanka (AP) — Former captain Angelo Mathews came up with a superb batting display under pressure to help Sri Lanka reach 219 for five at tea on day four of the second test against England at the Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday.
Sri Lanka need another 82 runs with five wickets in hand to win the game and square the series.
All hopes were lost for Sri Lanka when they lost three early wickets for just 26 runs while chasing a target of 301. Left-arm spinner Jack Leach accounted for all three wickets.
Mathews was unbeaten on 87 at tea with Niroshan Dickwella on 23.
Sri Lanka lost just two wickets in the extended afternoon session but scored 126 runs in that period.
Mathews, who recently was axed from the ODI and Twenty20 teams, had 87 runs off 135 deliveries with six fours. He was involved in vital partnerships with Dimuth Karunaratne (57) and Roshen Silva (37).
Karunaratne and Mathews added 77 runs for the fourth wicket and it took England a moment of brilliance to break the stand. Karunaratne attempted a lap sweep off Adil Rashid and Keaton Jennings, fielding at short leg, moved to his left with the stroke.
The fielder attempted to catch the ball, but realizing he wouldn't be able to hold onto it, parried it through to Ben Foakes, who completed the catch.
Karunaratne's 57 came off 96 deliveries with four boundaries.
Silva and Mathews then added 73 runs for the fifth wicket. England made the breakthrough when Silva, attempting a flick off Moeen Ali, got an inside edge onto the pad, and the ball lobbed to first slip, where Joe Root was fielding. England overturned the not-out verdict on review.
Mathews and Dickwella then added an unfinished 43 runs for the sixth wicket.
Sri Lanka have successfully chased targets in excess of 300 only three times.
England lead the three match series 1-0.
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