SRI LANKA with a resounding fightback here on the fourth day have made sure that they do not hand over the match on a plate to Pakistan. Leading only by seven runs and with six wickets to defend at the start of play on Thursday, the Sri Lankans bounced back to not only see the day off but also put themselves in a position from where they can even create anxious moments for Misbah-ul-Haq’s men when they bat again on final day.

The game had all the strappings and the script well written in favour of Pakistan to go one up in the series in potentially a four-day finish but all praise to Sri Lanka for standing up to the challenge. Frustrating Pakistan bowlers who despite keeping a good line all through were kept wicketless in the pre-lunch session, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews complimented each other with sensible batting and extended their fifth-wicket partnership beyond lunch.

Surprisingly, the wicket instead of deteriorating had straightened up not giving much encouragement to either Bilawal Bhatti, Junaid Khan or for that matter off-spin master Saeed Ajmal. Only an occasional delivery posed problems for the batsmen, but no real discomfort. By the time the commendable Mathews-Chandimal stand of 138 ended, Sri Lanka had taken a 145 run-lead and were well on course to take the game into the fifth day.

It is in a situation like this that a player’s ability is judged and I suppose no one would deny Chandimal (89) and the centurion Mathews the credit they deserve in steering their country back into the reckoning. As both went about their business I felt Pakistan would have been served well had they had the choice of another spinner in Abdur Rehman, adding variety to their bowling, instead of playing a third seamer in Rahat Ali who though operated economically but rarely created any significant discomfort for the batsmen.

What impressed me most was the fact that a natural striker like Mathews — curbing his natural belligerence — continued to play with straight bat, seldom playing across the line unless a lose delivery was offered. The century, only second in his 34-Test career, must be highly satisfying for the right-handed batsman and no doubt valuable in terms of the match which at one stage looked all lost. His unbeaten 116 in a vigil which lasted the whole day is a big lesson for those who fail to discipline themselves when needed. Mathews passed that test with full marks.

Despite the failure of their most experienced batsmen, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, to rescue the Islanders in both innings this magnificent effort from Mathews and those who came late in the order partnering him must now have changed the whole mindset of the Sri Lankan camp for the battle ahead in this match and for the rest of the series.

By draw of stumps the Sri Lankans had gained a noteworthy lead of 241 with five wickets still in the bag, and had taken themselves to a point from where they can only frustrate Pakistan even more if and when they bat for the second time.