Pakistan heading for victory in second Sri Lanka test

COLOMBO, Apr 5 (Reuters) Pakistan were cruising to victory in the second test against Sri Lanka today, the tourists reaching the third day lunch interval on 90 for one in pursuit of a victory target of 183.

Opener Imran Farhat (29 not out) and number three Younis Khan (30 not out) batted positively in the morning to steal the initiative in the series decider following last week's draw.

Resuming on 73-8 and with Sanath Jayasuriya unable to bat, Sri Lanka's second innings lasted just one more ball as Muttiah Muralitharan slogged the opening delivery of the day straight to mid on.

The hosts were dismissed in just 24.5 overs and registered their second lowest total against Pakistan.

Playing his farewell test, the 36-year-old Jayasuriya was unable to bat in the second innings after dislocating his right thumb while taking a catch yesterday.

Sri Lanka's new ball bowlers then started waywardly as Farhat and stand-in opener Kamran Akmal (24) added 38 for the first wicket.

Paceman Lasith Malinga made the breakthrough soon after being introduced, getting Akmal to edge behind where wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara took a spectacular diving catch.

The host's were unlucky not to take any further wickets as several mis-timed shots fell just short of fielders and off spinner Muralitharan had two very close lbw shouts against Farhat turned down.

REUTERS PDS SP1312