Sports

1st Test: Mathews puts pressure on Pakistan

SL gain 241-run advantage on day four, Adnan Akmal returns home .

Afp January 03, 2014

Mathews notched up 116 not out under pressure for his second Test hundred as Sri Lanka reached 420 for five at the close of play. PHOTO: AFP

ABU DHABI:

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews hit a pugnacious hundred to pull Sri Lanka out of trouble on the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Mathews notched up 116 not out under pressure for his second Test hundred and put on invaluable 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Dinesh Chandimal (89) and 99 for the unfinished sixth wicket with Prasanna Jayawardene (48 not out) to take Sri Lanka to 420 for five at close.

Sri Lanka resumed the day at 186 for four, but Mathews’ career-best score and resolute innings by Chandimal and Prasanna helped Sri Lanka add 234 runs for the loss of only one wicket. They now lead by 241 runs and with five wickets intact can harbour hopes of an unlikely win on the fifth and final day or at least salvage a draw.

Chandimal praised Mathews’s knock.

“He batted well at a crucial stage,” said Chandimal. “With a bit of spin on the pitch we keep our fingers crossed and a 300-plus target might be a winning one.”

Meanwhile, left-arm paceman Junaid was the best Pakistani bowler with three off 81 while fellow fast bowler Bilawal Bhatti took two off 131.

Pakistan coach Mohammad Akram said his bowlers did their best.

“Our bowlers put up their best effort but Mathews and Chandimal batted very well,” said Akram. “If they are bowled out in the first hour we can fancy our chances of winning the match.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a setback on Friday when wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal was ruled out of the ongoing Test series after fracturing a finger.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Akmal hurt himself while taking a catch on the third day of the first Test.

“Akmal got injured while taking a catch on the last ball of day three and has fractured his left hand Index finger,” said the PCB in a statement.

“On the request of the team management, the national selection committee has decided to send Sarfraz Ahmed to join the Test squad.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2014.

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