Pakistan Secure Draw To Claim Series Win Over Sri Lanka

Pakistan Secure Draw To Claim Series Win Over Sri Lanka

Kosala Kulasekara was the only Sri Lankan to be dismissed before they declared on the final day

©REUTERS / Action Images

Sri Lanka 413 & 181-6 dec. (Paranavitana 76no) drew with
Pakistan 340 & 87-4
Third Test, Sharjah
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four

Unexpected rain washed away any chance of a positive result on the final day of the third and final Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Sharjah.

After the first session was lost to the weather, Sri Lanka declared on 181 for six and set Pakistan 255 to win and they eventually closed on 87-4 to ensure they took the series 1-0.

Pakistan were at 77 for four as Sri Lanka briefly raised hopes of an unlikely win but they eventually ran out of time as Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq blocked out 15 overs to deny the Sri Lankans.

Despite no play before lunch, Sri Lanka felt the need to bat on, taking their score from 164 to 181 for the loss of Kosala Kulasekara, who was bowled by Saeed Ajmal and Tharanga Paranavitana was unbeaten on 76 when the declaration came.

Mohammad Hafeez started the run chase brightly, hitting two fours before he was run out for 13 by a direct hit from substitute Lahiru Thirimanne.

The turn to spin proved effective for Sri Lanka when Azhar Ali was trapped in front by Rangana Herath for seven and Taufeeq Umar cut Suraj Randiv to Kumar Sangakkara for 39.

Younus Khan then chipped Chanaka Welagedara to Thirimanne having made 11 but Misbah and Shafiq then used up 141 deliveries in blunting Sri Lanka's charge.

Misbah made just nine runs and Shadiq seven.

Younus had scored a century in Pakistan's first innings as they replied strongly to Sri Lanka's effort of 413.

The opening match of the series in Abu Dhabi was drawn while Pakistan took a nine-wicket in Dubai.

© Cricket World 2011