3rd Test: Caution, late strikes hold Pakistan back

Younus hits century before Welegedara’s effort puts Sri Lanka in strong position.

SHARJAH: Fast-bowler Chanaka Welegedara took two quick wickets with the second new ball, including that of centurion Younus Khan, to give Sri Lanka the edge on day three of the third Test.

The 30-year-old dismissed Younus, after the veteran had scored 122, with the first delivery of the second new-ball and then had Asad Shafiq (16) in the same spell. With just two overs to go, left-arm spinner Rangana Herath removed Adnan Akmal for seven to leave Pakistan on 282 for six at stumps. Captain Misbahul Haq was unbeaten on 50 and Abdul Rehman was three not out.

Sri Lanka still lead by 131 runs and are seeking a big first-innings lead to give them a chance of levelling the series after losing the second Test by nine wickets.

Younus leads Pakistan’s response

The first two sessions of the day, however, belonged to Pakistan as Younus added 98 for the third wicket with Azhar Ali (53) and another 100 with Misbah for the fourth wicket. Younus completed his 18th Test hundred with a sharp single off Welegedara in the last over before tea.

Misbah spent most of him time at the crease blocking before he upped the tempo to ensure Pakistan did not lose sight of winning 2-0 which will help them replace Sri Lanka at number five in the rankings.

After tea, Younus hit a boundary and six off Herath to take Pakistan past the follow-on mark of 213, before notching another four off a reverse sweep as Sri Lanka delayed the second new ball until the 91st over.

When it was finally taken, the new ball proved effective as Welegedara struck with the first delivery, bowling Younus with a sharp incoming delivery after he had hit 12 boundaries and two sixes during his 211-ball knock.

‘Welegedara deserves five-for’

Sri Lanka bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake praised the left-armer’s fine effort.

“He bowled superbly on a flat track and deserves a five-for,” said Ramanayake. “If we get them out quickly today, we can force a win here which would be great.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s interim coach Mohsin Khan deplored the loss of late wickets.

“It’s a pity that we lost two wickets at the end,” said Mohsin. “I would have liked Younus still batting, but he played wonderfully well for his hundred.”

Earlier in the morning, Sri Lanka suffered a blow when fast-bowler Dhammika Prasad injured a muscle and was unable to bowl after Pakistan resumed at 35 for two. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2011.