Sri Lanka openers chasing to beat Pakistan

DUBAI: Pakistan were dismissed for 359 in their second innings on the fifth and final day of the second Test to give Sri Lanka an easy target of 137 to win the match here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan resumed their second innings at 330-7 on the final day as all their hopes were pinned on wicketkeeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed who was batting on 70 with tail-ender Saeed Ajmal on seven.

However, Sarfraz could not fulfill the desire and was clean bowled by pace bowler Suranga Lakmal after adding just four runs to his overnight score.

Then, Saeed and Rahat Ali took the Pakistan score to 354 when Rahat was caught behind off Lakmal for eight. Both added 20 runs for the ninth wicket.

Later, Saeed Ajmal who provided some resistance against the tourist bowlers was last man to be out bowled by Lakmal. He made 21 valuable runs as Junaid Khan remained not out on two.

All the remaining three wickets fell this morning were grabbed by Lakmal who finished four for 78.

Seamers Shaminda Eranga and Nuwan Pradeep, and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath claimed two wickets each.

Chasing 137, Sri Lankan openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva were batting steadily to make 35 without being separated at lunch.

The first Test played last week at Abu Dhabi ended in a draw.