Sangakkara rescues Sri Lanka

KANDY, Sri Lanka, Apr 3 (Reuters) Kumar Sangakkara top-scored with a superb 79 as Sri Lanka recovered to 267 for eight on the first day of the second and final test against Pakistan today.

Sri Lanka had slumped to 61 for three after being put into bat on a wet pitch offering extravagant seam movement before Sangakkara spearheaded a recovery that left the match evenly poised on a difficult pitch.

Sangakkara's efforts were supported by middle order batsman Thilan Samaraweera who scored a gritty 180-ball 65 before being bowled immediately after Pakistan took the second new ball.

Tailender Malinga Bandara - very fortunate to survive a TV run out referral on just nine - also frustrated the tourists with an entertaining career-best 43 late in the day.

The first test ended in a draw.

Reuters DH BS1901