Prasad finished with figures of 4-92 off 29.3 overs

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sri Lanka only need to score 153 runs to level the Test series after pace bowler Dhammika Prasad ripped through Pakistan’s batting line-up with a four-wicket haul on the fourth day of the second Test in Colombo.

Even though Sri Lanka fought back brilliantly to put themselves in an advantageous position, Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali deserves a lot of credit for his superb knock of 117.

Starting out the day on 171/2, Ali and Younis Khan, who is playing in his 100th Test match, converted their 42-run partnership into a 73-run stand before Khan was caught behind off the bowling of Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews for 40.

Despite Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed gifting their wickets to Prasad and debutant Dushmantha Chameera after encouraging starts, Ali remained focussed on the task at hand and refused to succumb to the mounting pressure.

But, after Yasir Shah was dismissed for a duck, Ali finally buckled and gave in as he was stumped by Dinesh Chandimal off the bowling Rangana Herath.

Ali’s magnificent innings of 117 came off 308 balls and included six boundaries.

Ali celebrates after scoring his ninth Test century

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Following Ali’s dismissal, Chameera proceeded to mop the the tail and Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 329, which set Sri Lanka a target of 153 to win.

As soon as Pakistan’s innings had come to an end, the heavens parted and the players were unable to come out after the tea break.

With the rain refusing to relent, the umpires had no choice but to bring play to an end for the day.

Prasad was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Chameera snapped up three, Mathews took two and Herath claimed one.

Sri Lanka ended day four needing 153 runs to level the series at 1-1 and will begin their chase tomorrow at 09:45 local time or 04:15 GMT.