SL declare

24 June 2012 11:07 am Views - 2723

Sri Lanka declared their second innings closed at 137 for five wickets, leaving Pakistan a target of 510 to chase, on the third day of the first test today.

Earlier, a quick-fire 56 from opener Tillakaratne Dilshan helped Sri Lanka to 93-3 at tea.

Sri Lanka has now extended its lead to 465 runs after declining to enforce the follow-on. It dismissed Pakistan for 100 runs in its first innings in the morning session after the tourists resumed on 48-5.

Dilshan, who made a century in the first innings, smashed nine fours for his 56 that came off just 58 balls at the Galle International Stadium.

Before being caught behind off Junaid Khan, Dilshan added 85 runs for the first wicket with Tharanga Paranavithana (25).

Dilshan appeared to glove Ajmal's delivery to wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal, but the appeal was turned down. In another disputed decision, Paranavithana was ruled leg before wicket for offering no stroke to the off-spinner, but the left-hander had taken several strides forward.

Pakistan grabbed a third wicket in the afternoon session when Kumar Sangakkara (1), who was left stranded on 199 in the first innings, drove straight to extra cover to give Ajmal his second wicket in the innings.

Earlier Pakistan quickly succumbed to Sri Lanka spinners Suraj Randiv and Rangana Herath who shared seven wickets between them. Randiv finished with 4-13 and Herath 3-30 as Pakistan was bowled out for its second lowest total against Sri Lanka in test cricket. Its lowest is 90 runs.(Agencies)