COLOMBO: Dimuth Karunaratne scored a quick-fire fifty as Sri Lanka overcame the threat of rain to beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the 2nd Test and level the series 1-1.
Sri Lanka began their chase of 153 as play began on the fifth day of the second Test in Colombo after a 30-minute delay on Monday.
A wet outfield caused by heavy early morning rain had delayed the start, but umpires called play once the ground staff dried the P.Sara Oval despite dark clouds overhead.
Sri Lanka, led by Karunaratne and Kithuruwan Vithanage at the top, started their chase with intent, racing to 49 in six overs before Pakistan struck back through Zulfiqar Babar.
And when Sri Lanka's tormentor Yasir Shah dismissed Kumar Sangakkara the very next ball from the other end, there were fears of a mini-collapse in the host's dressing room. Captain Angelo Mathews, though, steadied the ship with a patient 43.
Yasir picked up Karunaratne (50) but it was too little too late as Sri Lanka were well within touching distance of the target.
Pakistan won the first Test in Galle by 10 wickets. The third Test starts in Pallekele on Friday.
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