Sri Lanka level series with Pak after seven-wicket win

Sri Lanka overcame a looming threat of rain and a brief batting stutter to claim a seven-wicket win over Pakistan and level the series on the final day of the second Test in Colombo.

Chasing a paltry target of 153, Sri Lanka pushed stroke-player Kithuruwan Vithanage ahead to open the innings as he made a brisk 34 off 23 balls to give the hosts an initial thrust before his dismissal.

Veteran batsman Kumar Sangakkara then fell prey to a Yasir Shah's delivery for a duck, which gave the Misbah-ul-Haq side a slender hope of fending off their opponents.

However, captain Angelo Mathews (40) teamed up with Dimuth Karunaratne (50) to steady the innings as the duo shared a 72-run stand for the third wicket.

Karanaratne was then trapped lbw by Yasir. Afterwards, Lahiru Thirimanne (20 not out) joined forces with the skipper to lead the hosts to an emphatic victory.

Fast bowler Dhammika Prasad was adjudged the Player of the Match for his seven wickets in the game.

Sri Lanka will play the third Test against Pakistan in Pallekele on July 3.