Herath hurries Sri Lanka home

Rangana Herath removes Abdur Rauf as Sri Lanka complete an unexpected win over Pakistan with a day to spare in Galle

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Pakistan collpased on the fourth day as Sri Lanka pulled off a shock 50-run victory in the first Test at Galle to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The tourists began the fourth day needing a further 97 runs to overhaul a target of 168 to win, with eight wickets in hand.

But they were undone by superb spells from left-arm paceman Thilan Thushara and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

The pair played central roles in an astonishing turnaround with two wickets apiece in quick succession which left Pakistan - 71 for two overnight - reeling on 80 for six.

Ajantha Mendis got in on the act, and Herath added two more victims to his kitty to finish with figures of 4-15 from 11.3 overs as Pakistan were bowled out for 117 just before lunch.

Herath sparked a collapse that saw Pakistan lose their last eight wickets for just 46 when Mohammad Yousuf, who scored a century to help Pakistan open up a 50-run first-innings lead, was lbw playing down the wrong line without addition to his overnight 12.

Pakistan slipped further into trouble when the other overnight batsman, Salman Butt, holed out to square-leg two deliveries later for 28.

Thushara then swung into the act, removing Shoaib Malik courtesy of an edged drive which was taken by wicketkeeper Tillakaratne Dilshan.

Faint hope still rested on Misbah-ul Haq, but the Pakistan vice-captain was superbly run-out by Dilshan after failing to make his ground at the striker’s end following an aborted single off his pads.

Umar Gul was bowled playing across the line to Mendis before Herath found Mohammad Aamer’s edge. Abdur Rauf departed in similar fashion to seal a fine victory for Sri Lanka.

The second Test begins in Colombo on Saturday.