Imam guides Pakistan to test win over Sri Lanka

GALLE:  Opener Imam ul Haq’s responsible fifty guided Pakistan’s chase as visitors clinched first test against Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in Galle on Thursday.

Set a target of 131, Pakistan began the day requiring 83 runs with 7 wickets in hand. Captain Babar Azam raced to 24 off 28 balls before being trapped lbw by the wily Prabath Jayasuriya.

Imam and first-innings double centurion Saud Shakeel combined for a crucial 43-run partnership to steer Pakistan to safety. Ramesh Mendis got Saud dismissed for 30 with Pakistan requiring just nine runs for victory.

Wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed departed early only adding a solitary run as Jayasuriya bagged his fourth wicket in the innings.

Agha Salman smashed a six of the first ball he faced to take Pakistan home and ensure there are no last-minute jitters after a flurry of quick wickets.

For his monumental effort in the first innings, Saud Shakeel was awarded man of the match.

The second test of the two-match series begins on July 24 in Colombo