Rain Ends Play Early On Day Three In Colombo

Rain Ends Play Early On Day Three In Colombo

Groundstaff at the SSC in Colombo run across the covers in search of more protection for the ground

©REUTERS / Action Images

Pakistan 551-6 dec. (Mohammad Hafeez 196) v
Sri Lanka 70-1 (Dilshan 46no)
Second Test, Colombo, day three
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two

The second Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Colombo looks increasingly destined to be a draw after less than 30 overs of play was possible on the third day.

Pakistan declared on 551 for six, captain Misbah-ul-Haq hitting a brisk half-century but Sri Lanka had reached 70 for one in 15 overs when the rain arrived to prevent any further play.

Resuming on their overnight position of 488 for four, Pakistan lost Asad Shafiq for two and Adnan Akmal for five, the former run out by Tillakaratne Dilshan and the latter caught by Dilshan off Rangana Herath.

Misbah progressed from 29 not out to 66 not out in 80 balls, hitting five fours while Abdur Rehman belted a brace of sixes to finish unbeaten on 18 in 13 balls when Misbah decided to call a halt to their innings.

His bowlers then gave him exactly what he wanted with the early wicket of Tharanga Paranavitana, who was caught by Azhar Ali off Junaid Khan for a 12-ball duck.

Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara held firm, however, Dilshan hitting fours as he carved his way to 46 not out in 54 deliveries while the runs flowed quickly from Sangakkara's blade as he stroked 22 in 24 deliveries with three fours.

This has been a Test dominated first by batsmen and then by the rain. Mohammad Hafeez (196) and Azhar (158) both registered career-bests as Pakistan piled on the runs on the opening two days after Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Sri Lanka lead the three-match series 1-0 after a crushing 209-run win in the opening match in Galle.

© Cricket World 2012