Sri Lanka in command with a 323-run lead
Sri Lanka in their second innings were 176 for five wickets at close with 323 runs lead while off spinner Ramesh Mendis had a fine figures of 5 for 47 to restrict Pakistan first innings for 231 all out in the third day of the second Test played at Galle International cricket stadium yesterday. However the third day ended early due to bad light while play was suspended at 4.18pm and officially called off at 4.55pm.
The match is wide open now but Sri Lanka with a 323 runs lead heading to get more than 400 runs lead to pose a big challenge against opponent on fourth day (today).
Especially the first Test Pakistan successfully chased 342 runs to gain four wickets win and this time Sri Lanka is expected to give challenging target (more than 400 runs) at this Galle wicket.
The day started yesterday with Pakistan first innings 191 for 7 wickets while they were bowled out for 231 before lunch with Sri Lanka got a 147 runs lead. The off spinner Ramesh Mendis bowled a hostile spell with taking 5 for 47 in his 21.1 overs spell while leg spinner Prabath Jayasuriya took 3 for 80 in his 37 overs spell.
Sri Lanka in their second innings Oshada Fernando came to the middle with new partner Niroshan Dickwella who replaced injured skipper Dimuth Karunaratne. In fact Karunaratne having lower back pain slightly recovered and decided to bat at middle order (SLC media release stated Dimuth will bat only if required in the second innings).
This was the first time Dickwella got chance to play as an opener at the Test match but he couldn’t stay long period at the wicket scoring 15 in 25 balls with 2 fours finally out caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan off the bowling of Naseem Shah while Oshada Fernando was out at 11th over scoring 19 with 3 fours.
Kusal Mendis the number three batter went for a sweep shot but that was unsuccessful and LBW to leg spinner Mohammad Nawaz and he scored 15 in 30 balls with 2 fours. Two senior players Angelo Matthews (35) and Dinesh Chandimal (21) and Sri Lanka were struggling 117 for 5 wickets at one stage.
However skipper Dimuth Karunaratne with an back injury scored an unbeaten 27 in 51 balls with 2 overs while deputy skipper Dhananjaya de Silva was remaining 32 in 52 balls with 6 fours.
Pakistan paceman Naseem Shah was the only successful bowler claiming 2 for 29 in his 9 overs spell.
Today the game will commence at 9.45pm with 98 overs remaining until 5.15 pm.
