Pakistan inched closer towards victory in the first Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium here after dismissing Sri Lanka batting line up at 138 on the final day of the match.

The visitors lose the wickets of Kusal Mendis and Suranga Lakmal to fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, while Herath and Dilruwan Perera lost their wickets to rampaging spinner Yasir Shah.

Pakistani pacer Mohammad Abbas struck early on final day of the first Test, sending Mendis and Lakmal back to the pavilion after the visiting team resumed their second innings at 69/4, leading Pakistan by 66 runs with six wickets intact.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah grabbed the key wicket of Dinesh Chandimal to leave visitors fighting to avoid defeat on Sunday.

The prolific wicket-taker took 2-25 as Sri Lanka, who dominated this game for a long period of time, now needing a rearguard action to save the Test.

It was tough to negotiate spin on a fourth-day at Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch, but despite a 32nd Test five-wicket haul for veteran Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath, Pakistan posted 422 to take a slender three-run lead after Sri Lanka had made 419 in their first innings.

At the close, Kusal Mendis was batting on 16, with nightwatchman Suranga Lakmal on two, after a day of fluctuating fortunes.

Herath’s 5-93 in 40 overs were well foiled by a brilliant 76 by Test debutant Haris Sohail, as initially it looked as though Sri Lanka would take a first-innings lead.

Source: ARY News