Karunaratne defies Pakistan in first Test

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne hit an unbeaten 63 to keep Sri Lanka afloat as Pakistan pushed for victory on the fifth and final day of the first Test on Sunday.

Sri Lanka, trailing Pakistan by 117 runs on the first innings, took their overnight score of 63-2 to 144-4 in their second knock by lunch at the Galle International Stadium.

The hosts lost nightwatchman Dilruwan Perera off the first ball of the day, clean bowled by leg-spinner Yasir Shah as he shouldered arms to a ball that dipped in after pitching.

The left-handed pair of Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne (44) gave Sri Lanka the lead with a 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

But with the hosts 15 runs ahead, left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz had Thirimanne caught low at first slip by Younis Khan to keep the interest alive in the rain-hit Test.

Skipper Angelo Mathews was unbeaten on five, with Sri Lanka only 27 runs ahead and two sessions remaining in the first match of the three-Test series.

Bad weather had washed out the entire first day's play on Wednesday and just 64 overs were bowled on the second day due to a wet outfield.

The Tests will be followed by five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches.
Source: AFP