Pitch holding good for final day push by Pakistan and Sri Lanka

The left-handed wicketkeeper batsman is hopeful of a good first session to change the tide Pakistan's way.

Sarfraz Ahmed played a fighting knock and is unbeaten to keep Pakistan’s hopes alive. Ishara Kodikara / AFP

DUBAI // Sarfraz Ahmed, the Pakistan wicketkeeper, says his side are still solely focused on saving the second Test against Sri Lanka rather than attempting to force an unlikely win.

The host side were indebted to a fine innings of 70 from Sarfraz, who was only afforded a chance here because of an injury to Adnan Akmal, for extending the game to a fifth day.

His unbeaten effort, along with 97 by his captain Misbah-ul-Haq and 77 by Younis Khan, meant Pakistan had a lead of 107 with three wickets left when stumps were drawn.

The Sri Lankans could be set for a run chase at some point today if the forecast rain stays away, but Sarfraz did not suggest a figure that Pakistan hope to reach.

“We do not have a total in mind at the moment, we are just trying to stay at the wicket,” he said.

“The first two hours are crucial, especially the first hour, and if we can push on past 200 hopefully we will get a chance to put pressure on them.

“If there is a little rain around the pitch may get better, but it won’t get any worse for batting.”

Although Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner, dismissed Misbah with a ball of pronounced turn, he does not envisage the pitch helping the bowlers to any great extent today.

“We needed that wicket because he’s the one who batted really well with Younis,” Herath said.

“I think I bowled a good delivery, but apart from that I couldn’t get much spin from this pitch.

“For me it still looks like a good track. I’m sure there will be some support for the spinners because it’s the fifth day of this game.”

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