Pakistan on brink of win (From Harrow Times)

Pakistan on brink of win

2:33pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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Mohammad Aamer and Saeed Ajmal claimed three wickets apiece to put Pakistan within touching distance of victory on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Left-arm paceman Aamer rocked Sri Lanka's famed middle order with three quick strikes in the afternoon session, while off-spinner Ajmal mopped up the tail as the hosts were skittled for just 217 in their second innings.

That left Pakistan, who had taken a first-innings lead of 50 runs, a target of 168 to secure the lead in this three-Test series.

The visitors began the chase strongly, but Sri Lanka hit back by removing Khurram Manzoor and Younus Khan cheaply in fading light.

Pakistan had progressed to 71 for two when bad light brought an end to the day's proceedings 17 overs prematurely, with Salman Butt 28 not out and first-innings centurion Mohammad Yousuf unbeaten on 12.

They require only 97 more runs for victory with two full days remaining.