Rangana Herath became the oldest player and fifth spinner to bag 400 wickets as his six-wicket haul steered Sri Lanka to a thrilling 21-run win over Pakistan in the first cricket Test here on Monday.
The veteran left-arm spinner took six for 43 — 11 for 136 in the match — to scupper Pakistan, set a modest 136-run target, for just 114 on a weary fifth day pitch. Herath, a long-time nemesis of Pakistan, also completed 100 wickets in 20 Tests against the Asian rival.
Herath became the 14th bowler in Tests and fifth spinner behind countryman Muttiah Muralitharan, Australia’s Shane Warne and Indian duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to reach the 400-wicket milestone. He is the oldest player to do so.
The 136-run target was Sri Lanka’s lowest defended, improving on the 168 it set Pakistan in the Galle Test in 2009.
It was also a first defeat for Pakistan at this venue in 10 Tests.
Earlier, leg-spinner Yasir Shah took five for 51 to dismiss Sri Lanka for 138 in its second innings. Niroshan Dickwella ensured Sri Lanka had something to defend with a pugnacious 40.
Pakistan started the chase on a shaky note when Herath dismissed opener Sami Aslam for two before accounting for Asad Shafiq, who made 20.
Herath had taken five for 93 in Pakistan’s first innings and this time he shared the new ball with Suranga Lakmal to put Pakistan in trouble with regular wickets.
Perera then had Shan Masood (seven) and a shaky Babar Azam for three to leave Pakistan struggling at 32 for four. In between fast bowler Lakmal had Azhar Ali caught behind for nought.
On the either side of tea, Sohail and Sarfraz Ahmed (19) fought hard to add 42 but Herath provided the breakthrough when he forced the Pakistan skipper out of his crease and had him stumped by Dickwella.
Perera ended Sohail’s fight by trapping him leg before and also had Yasir but it turned out to be a no-ball, halting Sri Lanka’s celebrations, eventually provided by Herath.
Pakistan, led by Yasir, bowled well in the morning. Sri Lanka, which resumed at 69 for four, lost its last six wickets for 69 runs but Dickwella still put up a lone fight, — hitting four boundaries — and more importantly giving it a target to fight.
Pakistan was given two key wickets by medium-pacer Mohammad Abbas who finished with two for 22. It was then left to Yasir, who off consecutive deliveries, dismissed Perera for six and then had Herath caught by close in fielder to complete his fourth consecutive five-wicket haul in as many Tests.
Dickwella then took a rearguard action, shielding No. 10 Lakshan Sandakan from the bowling during a resistance-packed ninth wicket stand of 34 which came in 10.1 overs.
Yasir finally had Sandakan caught at point while Hasan Ali (one for 21) ended the innings by bowling Nuwan Pradeep, leaving Dickwell’s fight stranded.
The second Test — a day-night match — starts in Dubai from Friday.
