Pakistan Unable To Force Win Despite Declaration

Pakistan Unable To Force Win Despite Declaration

Pakistan and Sri Lanka players shake hands following the drawn second Test in Colombo

©REUTERS / Action Images

Pakistan 551-6 dec. & 100-2 dec. drew with
Sri Lanka 391 (Sangakkara 192) & 86-2
Second Test, Colombo
Scorecard | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

The second Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan petered out into a draw in Colombo on the final day despite Pakistan's late declaration.

They closed their second innings on 100 for two, setting Sri Lanka a nominal target of 261 and they ended the game on 86 for two, taking their 1-0 series lead to the final match.

Sri Lanka began the day on 278 for five and were bowled out for 391 with Kumar Sangakkara falling for 192 - his second score in the 190s of the series but his innings, and bad weather had left Pakistan without enough time to force a result.

Taufeeq Umar hit an unbeaten 42 and Abdur Rehman a swift 36 in 22 balls as Pakistan tried to score quickly and although they then struck twice in Sri Lanka's second innings, the home side were able to hold on comfortably.

Sangakkara progressed from his overnight score of 144 and looked set to reach a double-century having been left stranded on 199 in the opening match - which Sri Lanka won by a margin of 209 runs - but it was not to be, the left-hander falling when he was caught by Taufeeq off Rehman.

Angelo Mathews (47) offered excellent support but the rest of the lower order offered little resistance as Junaid Khan wrapped things up with a haul of five for 73 and Rehman returned four for 78.

Pakistan wasted little time in building on their lead of 160, Mohammad Hafeez hitting 21 in 26 balls and putting on 51 in 10.3 overs with Taufeeq.

When he fell, Pakisatn sent Rehman up the order and he blasted three fours and three sixes to take the lead past 250, falling to Suraj Randiv - who had also had hafeez caught by Tillakaratne Dilshan for 21 - and shortly after he was dismissed, Misbah-ul-Haq called a halt to the run-scoring.

Pakistan's hopes of an unlikely victory rested on them grabbing wickets quickly and they were effectively foiled by Dilshan and Tharanga Paranavitana's 48-run opening partnership.

Dilshan made 28 before he was trapped in front by Saeed Ajmal and Rehman removed Paranavitana for 32 in the same manner.

However, Sangakkara continued his fine series by reaching 24 not out in 22 balls and captain Mahela Jayawardene was not out on one when he shook hands with his opposite number.

Career-best innings of 196 from Hafeez and 158 from Azhar Ali in the first innings put Pakistan ahead before rain badly interrupted proceedings.

The final Test begins in Pallekele on 10th July.

© Cricket World 2012