Mathews puts Sri Lanka on top in deciding Test

Angelo Mathews scores his fifth Test century for Sri Lanka on Day Four of the third Test against Pakistan at Pallekele. Mathews came in at a time when Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother having lost three wickets for just 35 runs on the board. Mathews has played a captain’s knock and has put his side in a commanding position. Live Blog: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 3rd Test, Day 4 at Pallekele.

Mathews has had a good series with both bat and bowl. He averages well over 70 as captain with the bat and this innings has just proved his value to the Sri Lankan team. Mathews put on 45 runs for the fourth wicket with Upul Tharanga and then followed it up with another 50-plus stand with Jehan Mybarak. But his 100-plus stand with wicket keeper Dinesh Chandimal has given Sri Lanka a huge lead.Live scorecard: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 3rd Test, Day 4 at Pallekele

Early on Day One, Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bowl first. Both teams have made four changes to their playing XI and it was worked well so far. Sri Lanka scored 278 in the first innings, but Pakistan conceded a 63-run lead in the first innings. Sri Lanka have done well so far in their second innings and have put the match beyond Pakistan’s reach at the moment.