Pakistan levels the series with astonishing chase

SHARJAH: Pakistan chased the target of 302 runs with the run-rate of 5.25, which was the highest run-rate in a successful chase of a 300-plus target in Test cricket, defeating Sri Lanka to level the test series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, ARY News reported.

Sri Lanka started the day on 133-5. Angelo Mathews(31) and Prasanna Jayawardene(49) played watchfully extending the lead further.

But soon after the dismissal of Mathews, who got out by Mohammad Talha, Pakistani spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman crushed the lower order in short interval.

Abdur Rehman took 4 wickets while Mohammad Talha and Saeed Ajmal dismissed 2 batsmen each.

Pakistan needed 302 runs in the 59 overs. It is the matter of do and die for Team Pakistan as far as the matter of leveling the series is concern.

Pakistan turned a Test that had been an abysmal advertisement for cricket for four days and one session on its head, with an incredible batting performance after lunch on the final day, scoring 302 runs in 57.3 overs to defeat Sri Lanka and level the series. 

The heroes of this heist was Azhar Ali (103), Sarfraz Ahmed(48) and Misbah-ul-Haq(68) and gave perfect entertainment to the spectators chasing the score with the aggressive approach with the run rate of 5.25 per over.

Azhar Ali for his century, named as the Man of the Match award.

Meanwhile, skipper of Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews is the Man of the Series.