COLOMBO: Kumar Sangakkara missed a double century for the second successive match as the rain-hit second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in a dreary draw on Wednesday.
Sangakkara, who was stranded on an unbeaten 199 in the first Test at Galle, was dismissed for 192 after helping Sri Lanka avoid the embarrassment of a follow-on on the fifth and final day.
The hosts, who began the day needing 74 more runs to make Pakistan bat again, were all out for 391 in the post-lunch session in reply to Pakistan’s 551-6 declared.
Pakistan, leading by 160 runs on the first innings, made 100-2 in their second knock when skipper Misbah-ul-Haq close the innings soon after tea to attempt an unlikely win.
Sri Lanka appeared disinterested in chasing the tough victory target of 261 in 37 overs and were 86-2 in 22 overs when the match was called off at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
Sri Lanka will head for the third and final Test in Pallekele from Sunday with a 1-0 lead, having won the opening encounter in Galle by 209 runs.
Sangakkara looked set for his ninth double-century when he fell against the run of play after defying Pakistan’s attack for almost nine hours.
Although missing out once again, this has been a successful series with the bat for the left-hander, a sure mark of his class. (AFP)