Tons by Saeed and Inzamam force Sri Lanka on the backfoot

With a view to square up Sri Lanka's score of 184, the over-night batsmen Saeed Anwar and Yousuf Youhana started off very cautiously. They scored only 7 runs in the first 10 overs of the day, including four consecutive maiden overs. At one stage a run was scored in 38 balls. With their slow and steady march to the target they raised Pakistan's score to 153 for 2 by lunch, with Saeed Anwar (77) and Yousuf Youhana (40) well sattled at the crease. Muralitharan was the giant killer frightening the batsmen with his baffling spin and keeping them in check.

As the game resumed after lunch, Sri Lanka achieved first break through of the day when Yousuf Youhana was out after scoring invaluable 41 runs. Pakistan lost the 3rd wicket at 161.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the veteran of many victories for Pakistan came to bat. His arrival at the crease changed the whole complexion of the game. The rate of scoring went up. With a lovely cover drive to Vaas he squared up Sri Lanka's total of 181 runs.

After overtaking the Sri Lanka's score, the batsmen were almost at the rampage. Inzamam-ul-Haq hit Pushpakumara for three fours in one over. The long awaited moment of rejoicing came when Saeed Anwar completed his superb century, scored with the help of 11 fours and one six. It was his 10th test century.

Punishing almost all bowlers, Inzamam-ul-Haq completed his 50 in the 81st over. The two batsmen were on their way to guide Pakistan to a big total when Saeed Anwar was out after playing a fabulous innings of 123. Pakistan thus lost the 4th wicket at 256.

Younis Khan, the young man who hoisted Pakistan's victory with a huge six in the Colombo test joined Inzamam-ul-Haq at the crease.

The 300 of Pakistan's innings came in 100 overs. Anxiety prevailed in the Pakistan's camp for Inzamam's century who was playing at 84. He, however, ended the moments of suspense by smashing Sanath Jayasuriya for four boundaries in one over, completing a fabulous 100. He received a thunderous applause for his highly enterprising innings. He was out after scoring 112.

The play ended for the day with Pakistan at 341 for 5. Younis Khan who played a solid innings of 41 was still at the crease.

The centuries by Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq, excellent bowling by