2009 Test Series Pakistan v/s Sri Lanka

Day Four of the Third Test

Jul 23, 2009 Nadir Hassan

Lawyer Kumar Sangakkara stands between Pakistan and victory

It is a testament to Pakistan’s dominant position in the third and final Test of this series that a day in which they were outplayed by the Sri Lankans is unlikely to stop their march to victory. Sri Lanka still require 309 more runs on the final day to sweep the series 3-0 and have seven wickets in hand.

Herath’s Spin Dismisses Pakistan

The day began badly for Pakistan when the overnight batsmen Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal added only 19 more runs to their partnership of 114 before Akmal was dismissed by pacer Kulasekara. Shoaib Malik departed soon after, out to the spin of Herath. It seemed as if Pakistan’s would continue their normal pattern of collapsing in a heap. Umar Gul, known more for his ferocious reverse-swinging yorkers with the ball, made sure this did not happen. He hit a career best 46, complete with three sixes, belying his career average of seven. He received ample support from Mohammed Aamer, aged 17, who finished unbeaten on 22.

Other than Gul, the star of the opening session was Sri Lanka’s lone spinner, whose full name is Herath Mudiyanselage Rangana Keerthi Bandara Herath. Herath ended up taking five wickets on a turning pitch, reminding the Sri Lankans that they were hasty in dropping their other spinner Ajantha Mendis. Pakistan eventually declared on 425-9, setting Sri Lanka an unlikely target of 491.

Sangakkara Remains Sri Lanka’s Only Hope

Sri Lanka began their pursuit of what, if successful, would be the largest run chase in Test story as if they were in the mood to break records. Openers Warnapura and Paranavitana put on 83 for the first wicket, their highest stand in the series. Paranavitana eventually scored 73, the highest score of his relatively young career.

Spinner Danish Kaneria pegged Sri Lanka back by picking up the wickets of Warnapura and ex-skipper Mahela Jayawardene in quick succession, firming Pakistan’s grip on the match. But captain Kumar Sangakkara was resolute in defence, finishing the day unbeaten on 50. Sri Lanka ended the fourth day’s play on 183-3.

Sangakkara, who only just replaced Jayawardene as Sri Lanka’s captain is widely considered one of the most intelligent cricketers around. This may partly be explained by his background as a lawyer. Thanks to him the day belonged to Sri Lanka. He has also kept them in the match, even if their chances of victory are miniscule. Sangakkara will have to use all his forensic skills if he is to take his team to a 3-0 series sweep.

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