Masood scored his maiden Test century
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pakistan opener Shan Masood and veteran batsman Younis Khan both scored centuries to leave their side within touching distance of victory on the fourth day of the third Test against Sri Lanka.
Starting out the day on 228/5, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews and wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal converted their 67-run partnership into a 117-run stand, during which Chandimal brought up his half-century, before he was given out lbw off the bowling of Imran Khan.
Chandimal decided to review the decision, but replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and going on to hit the stumps. This led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.
Chandimal’s excellent knock of 67 came off 103 balls and included eight boundaries.
Following Chandimal’s dismissal, Sri Lanka’s lower order completely collapsed before Mathews ended up being the last person to be dismissed after scoring 122 off 252 balls, which included 12 boundaries and a six, to carry his side to 313, which set Pakistan a target of 377 to win.
Mathews celebrates after scoring his fifth Test century
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Khan was the pick of the bowlers with five wickets, while Yasir Shah and Rahat Ali snapped up two wickets apiece and Ehsan Adil claimed one.
Needing 377 to win, Pakistan got off to a shoddy start as they lost Ahmed Shehzad and Azhar Ali early on.
However, that was to be Sri Lanka’s last taste of success for the rest of the day as Masood and Khan amassed an unbeaten 217-run partnership, during which Masood registered his maiden Test century and Khan his 30th, before stumps was called.
Masood finished on 114 off 198 balls, which included 11 boundaries and a six, while Khan remained undefeated on 101 off 166 deliveries, which included nine boundaries.
Khan hit nine boundaries during his unbeaten knock of 101
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Dhammika Prasad and Suranga Lakmal claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan ended day four on 230/2 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 04:30 GMT.