Share

Mathews frustrates Pakistan

Sharjah - Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews hit a dogged 67 not out to keep Pakistan at bay on the second day of the third and final Test in Sharjah on Friday.

Mathews's 13th half-century - third in this series - took Sri Lanka to 302-6 at lunch as they added an invaluable 82 for the loss of Prasanna Jayawardene (35), after resuming at 220-5.

Debutant Dilruwan Perera was the other not out batsman with 29 as Sri Lanka crossed the 300-mark in the two-and-a-half hour session, extended due to Friday prayers.

Mathews, who hit 91 and a career best 157 not out in the drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi, was the picture of determination as he held the innings together, adding 73 for the sixth wicket and another unbroken 63 runs for the seventh with Perera.

That left Pakistan's pace-cum spin attack frustrated on a flat Sharjah stadium pitch.

Pakistan did waste their second referral when Mathews, on 34, was given not out by English umpire Richard Kettleborough, and TV replays showed the ball missing the stumps.

Mathews then hit Junaid Khan for a boundary, and in his next over took a single to complete his half-century. He has so far hit four boundaries.

Mohammad Talha and Saeed Ajmal have two wickets apiece.

Perera hit Abdul Rehman for a big six and ably supported his skipper as they look to add more runs in the second session.

Sri Lanka leads the three-match series 1-0 after winning the second Test in Dubai by nine wickets.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE