SL wins 1st Test against Pakistan in a tight finish

Rangana Herath created history as he picked up 6/43 to help Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan by 21 runs in a thrilling Test match in Abu Dhabi to help the visitors take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Herath’s haul helped him take 10 wickets in the game and he also became the first bowler in Test history to take 100 wickets in Tests vs Pakistan.

The left-arm spinner became the second Sri Lankan to go past 400 wickets in Tests while he is only the second left-armer in Test history to take 400 wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan were fighting to overhaul a modest but tricky 136-run target as they reached tea at 67/5. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took 5/51 – his 32nd five wicket haul in Tests – to dismiss Sri Lanka for 138 in their second innings.

With the ball taking spin on a difficult Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch, the Pakistani batsmen struggled against veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and off-spinner Dilruwan Perera.

Herath dismissed opener Sami Aslam for two before accounting for Asad Shafiq who made a fighting 20, reaching within four wickets of the 400-wicket milestone in his 84th Test.

Dilruwan Perera then had Shan Masood and a shaky Babar Azam for three to leave Pakistan struggling at 32/4. In between fast bowler Suranga Lakmal had Azhar Ali caught behind for nought.

Sri Lanka, who resumed at 69/4, lost their last six wickets for 69 runs. Niroshan Dickwella fought hard during his unbeaten knock of 40 studded with four boundaries. The second Test – a day-night match – starts in Dubai on Friday.