Kumar Sangakkara (187 n.o.) is set for the double century he deserves, as he and Anjelo Mathews (46 n.o.) snuffed out any hopes of a Pakistani comeback on the final day of the second test here.

At lunch, Sri Lanka was 367 for the loss of 5 wickets. They still trail Pakistan by 184 runs in the first innings. Just over a day was lost to rain in this test, but the fact that not one innings could be completed serves as poor advertisement for test cricket.

Sri Lanka leads the three-test series 1-0. A draw here will put additional pressure on Pakistan – the last time they lost a series was against England in England. There was too much to handle on that disastrous tour, and Pakistan has no control over the happenings off the field. But with victories against England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Pakistan was a team that was climbing the ranking ladder. Finding an excuse for the series loss here will be difficult.

Sangakkara has faced 341 balls, and has hit 15 fours and a huge six of Ajmal. He was stranded on 199 at Galle, after he ran out partners to complete his double hundred. No such problems here. The skies are bright, and he should get there with plenty of time to spare. Sangakkara has also completed 1000 runs against Pakistan in Sri Lanka.

Scoreboard

Pakistan (1st innings): 551 for 6 declared.

Sri Lanka (1st innings): T.Paranavitana c Ali b J.Khan 0, T.M.Dilshan lbw J.Khan 121, K.Sangakkara (batting) 187, M.Jayawardene lbw J.Khan 0, T.Samaraweera lbw Ajmal 0, S.Randiv lbw Rehman 5, A.Mathews (batting) 46. Extras: (b 4, lb 4) 8. Total (for the loss of five wickets in 116 overs): 358.

Fall of Wickets: 1-11, 2-236, 3-250, 4-259, 5-278.

Pakistan bowling: Cheema 24-5-86-0, J.Khan 24-6-58-3, Ajmal 34-0-106-1, Rehman 22-5-70-1, Hafeez 8-0-29-0, Ali 4-0-10-0.