Second day’s play underway in Lahore Test

Pakistan, LAHORE The second day’s play in the second test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is underway at Gaddafi Stadium here.Touring Sri Lanka resumed its innings with 317-4 as Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera remained at the crease. Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera notched brilliant hundreds to help Sri Lanka recover from early wobbles on the opening day of their second Test against Pakistan here on Sunday. Samaraweera followed his 231 in the drawn first Test in Karachi with a superb unbeaten 133 while Sangakkara scored 104 as the tourists recovered from 35-2 to reach 317-4 after Pakistan won the toss and put their opponents in. Pakistan had exploited the early life from a green-looking Gaddafi Stadium pitch by removing openers Malinda Warnapura (eight) and Tharanga Paranavitana (21) and then had the prized scalp of skipper Mahela Jayawardene (30). But left-hander Sangakkara and Samaraweera settled down gradually and benefited from some sloppy work by Pakistan fielders who dropped two crucial catches - one off each batsman. For Pakistan, pace spearhead Umar Gul (3-67) provided breakthroughs but the Sangakkara-Samaraweera pairing foiled all the home team's attempts until their 204-run stand for the fourth wicket was broken with the second new ball. Sangakkara snicked to wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal in Yasir Arafat's second over with the new ball. Sangakkara hit eight boundaries during his 334-minute stay.

Sangakkara said he was shocked at Pakistan's decision to field first.

"I was surprised to be put into bat," said the 31-year-old. "The pitch looks a good batting strip and once we lost three wickets it was a case of batting sensibly. We did that and now hope when Pakistan bats, the pitch turns more."