Dhammika Prasad scalps four as Sri Lanka require 153 to level series

Dhammika Prasad claimed four crucial wickets on the fourth day of the second Test as Sri Lanka bundled out Pakistan for 329, leaving the hosts needing 153 runs to level the three-match Test series here on Sunday.

Conceding a 177-run first innings lead, Pakistan reduced their deficit significantly at stumps on the third day, thanks to gritty knocks from Ahmed Shehzad (69) and Azhar, who shared a solid 120-run partnership for the second wicket.

Resuming at an overnight position of 171-2, Pakistan looked all set to built a larger total as Azhar Ali and Younis Khan (40) shared a 73-run partnership for the third wicket before the dismissal of the latter.

Although Azhar showed resistance with the bat by scoring his ninth century on the way, rest of the batsmen failed to provide support from the other end.

While captain Misbah-ul-Haq (22) and Azad Shafiq (27) failed to convert their good starts into big scores, the tourists lost remaining six wickets for mere 55 runs.

Prasad, who returned with the figures of 4-92, stole the limelight as he produced a perfect blend of discipline and accuracy to put the hosts back into the track.

Subsequently, Pakistan's hopes of adding more to their lead suffered a heavy blow when Azhar was dismissed by Rangana Herath.

Meanwhile, captain Angelo Mathews and pace man Dushmantha Chameera took two and three wickets each to support Prasad substantially.

Sri Lanka's chase, however, will only resume on the final day after heavy rain washed out the entire third session.