GALLE, Sri Lanka: Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath's six-wicket haul brought Sri Lanka close to a fascinating victory after Pakistan was bowled out for 180 on the last day of the first test on Sunday.
Sri Lanka needs 99 runs in a minimum 21 overs remaining to go 1-0 up in the two-match series after Herath's brilliant 6-48.Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed top scored with unbeaten 52 before he ran out of partners as Herath finished off the innings.
Herath ravaged Pakistan's top order by removing Azhar Ali (41), Younis Khan (13) and Asad Shafiq (8) while offspinner Dilruwan Perera got rid of dangerman Misbah-ul-Haq (28) and Ahmed Shehzad.
Pakistan paid a heavy price for being too defensive and letting both Sri Lanka spinners come out on top after conceding an 82-run lead.
