Bhatti’s double puts Pakistan in the box seat

Sri Lanka seven runs ahead on day four of first Test .

ABU DHABI:

Pace man Bilawal Bhatti removed experienced Sri Lankan batsmen Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene off successive deliveries to put Pakistan ahead in the first Test on Thursday.

The debutant removed Sangakkara (55) with the last ball of his tenth over and then had Jayawardene off the first of his next to leave Sri Lanka at 186 for four in their second-innings on the third day which had eased out for batsmen.

Junaid (two off 46) built on the strikes by dismissing Kaushal Silva for 81, caught behind in the last over of the day.

Before the late strikes, Silva and Sangakkara added 99 for the second wicket. The pair thwarted Pakistan’s pace-cum-spin attack in the last session.

Dinesh Chandimal was the unbeaten batsman at close with 24 as Sri Lanka ended the day seven runs ahead with six wickets in hand.

Earlier, Pakistan were dismissed for 383 in their first innings in reply to Sri Lanka’s 204. Captain Misbahul Haq was the last man dismissed; he scored 135 runs as the last six wickets folded for the addition of 56 runs today,

Bhatti said he felt proud.

“Sangakkara and Jayawardene are big names and [the] strength of Sri Lankan batting and I am proud at getting their wickets,” said Bhatti. “We need to get them out early on Friday for a win.”

Silva’s dismissal has given Pakistan a sniff of victory on the fourth day. He hit 11 boundaries during his 275-minute stay and gave Sri Lanka a confident start of 47 with Dimuth Karunaratne (24).

Recovering Gul released from Pakistan Test squad

Pakistan on Thursday released recovering Umar Gul from their Test squad competing against Sri Lanka, and stated that the fast-bowler would undergo rehabilitation back home.

The 29-year-old suffered a right knee injury in March this year and had to undergo an operation in May.

He was recalled to the one-day squad during Pakistan’s 3-2 win over Sri Lanka, in which he took seven wickets in the last three matches.

He was also included in the three-Test squad but has not played in the ongoing first Test.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Gul will return home.

“Gul, who had been retained with the Test squad, has been released by [the] Pakistan team management after consulting the team physio, Dale Naylor,” said a PCB release. “[Naylor has] treated Gul for one week and then recommended further training in Lahore. Gul is returning to Pakistan and has been advised to participate in domestic cricket to regain Test match fitness.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.