Sri Lanka collapse after a prolific start

The highly famed battery of Pakistan's speedsters and spinners having failed to dislodge the Sri Lanka opening pair of Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu commenced their efforts again.

Sri Lanka resumed the innings at the overnight score of 140 for no loss. In 60 overs they were 156 for no loss with Jayasuriya (95) anxiously waiting for his first century after the assumption of captaincy and Atapattu (51) well dug at the crease. There came the moment of rejoicing for Jayasuriya when he hoisted his splendid ton by smashing Waqar Younis through gully for a four. This was his 6th test century of the career.

Continuing to play freely and piling up runs, the two players brought 200 of the innings in 73 overs. While the Pakistani fielders dropped catches, the batsmen were gaining strength after every over. After playing a flurry of impressive strokes Atapattu also hoisted his 100 in 235 balls. At lunch Sri Lanka was 267 for no loss. Jayasuriya (148) and Atapattu (107) were almost in command of the game.

Jayasuriya's 150 came immediately after lunch while the glorious triple century (300) of the Sri Lanka innings came in 107 overs. Jayasuriya (172) and Atapattu (116) were giving a befitting reply to Pakistan's big innings of 600 at Galle. The partnership between the two players became 7th in the ladder of over 300 runs partnership in the history of cricket.

Pakistan took the new ball and entrusted its use to Abdur Razzaq and Waqar Younis. A quick result was achieved when Pakistan got the break-through that they were aspiring for. Unlucky for Sri Lanka, skipper Jayasuriya who was hero of Sri Lanka's innings was out before completing his well-cherished double ton. He was out after scoring a marvelous innings of 188 when he edged a moving ball form Razzaq into the hands of Younis Khan fielding in the slips. Sri Lanka thus lost its 1st but the most precious wicket at 335.

Russel Arnold who came in to bat held the ground and scored runs as confidently as his senior partner. He was out after contributing 24 runs. The next man Aravinda de Silva followed in his footsteps quickly rendering Sri Lanka to 402 for 3. A little later Jayawardene returned to the pavilion having been clean bowled by Arshad Khan. Sri Lanka was now 412 for 4.

Though Sri Lanka had played marvelously piling up a score of over 400, the wickets had started falling. Pakistan picked up 3 wicket within a span of 4 overs.

Since the pitch started giving little extra spin, the bowlers were now extracting some life out of it. Ranatunga was the next to go. In an attempt to sweep Arshad Khan, he was caught by Mushtaq Ahmed. Sri Lanka lost the 5th wicket at 434.

The day's play ended with Sri Lanka at 449 for 5. Atapattu playing the hero's role remained not out with 199.

Though Sri Lanka deserves the credit for piling up a huge total and still remaining in the game, one cannot pardon Pakistan for dropping atleast half a dozen vital catches.