Pakistan lose Colombo Test too, Sri Lanka lead 2-0
By IANSTuesday, July 14, 2009
COLOMBO - Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by seven wickets inside three days in the second cricket Test to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.
Pakistan collapsed to 320 in their second innings, losing their last nine wickets for just 35 runs.
Sri Lanka needed 171 runs to win, which they scored losing three wickets. Malinda Warnapura scored a quickfire 54 off 56 balls, his seventh Test half-century.
Pakistan were all out for 90 in the first innings, but fought back to bowl Sri Lanka out for 240. Fawad Alam and captain Younis Khan then staged a remarkable turnaround in the second innings with a record 200-run partnership.
Fawad hit 168 while Younis scored 82, but the captain’s dismissal while playing a reverse sweep off part-time spinner Tharanga Paranavitana Tuesday prompted a dramatic collapse. From 285 for 1 Pakistan were all out for 320 all out with spinner Rangana Herath taking five for 99.
Sri Lanka took 32 overs to clinch the series with one Test remaining.
Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a solid start as left-hander Warnapura reached his half-century from 44 deliveries.
Sangakkara (46) and Mahela Jayawardene (37 not out) led the home side to victory.
It is Sri Lanka’s first home series win over Pakistan and they will target a 3-0 whitewash in the third Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club here from July 20.
