GALLE: Pakistan capitulated in a typical Pakistan manner to hand over a series-levelling win to hosts, Sri Lanka. The Day 5 had started with Pakistan needing an insurmountable total with nine wickets to go.
Imam Ul Haq and Babar Azam resumed the innings with Imam getting dismissed cheaply at the start of the final day. Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar at the crease, and for a while, it appeared that Pakistan would secure an easy draw, ensuring that they don’t go down on the World Test Championship points table.
However, an error in judgment from Rizwan opened gates for Sri Lanka, who put the pressure on from both ends. Babar, despite scoring another brilliant half-century, soon ran out of partners. With him getting dismissed, it was only a matter of time before the curtains fell on the Pakistani batters.
Pakistan were chasing a mammoth target of 508 runs. Babar top scored with 81. Prabath Jayasuriya was declared the Player of Series for picking 17 wickets. Dhananjaya De Silva was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Pakistan have now slipped to fifth position on the World Test Championship points table.