Sri Lanka race to series win against Pakistan

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka romped to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan to win the series after the visitors suffered a dramatic batting collapse on the third day of the second test on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka raced to their 171-run victory target in 31.5 overs during the afternoon with opener Malinda Warnapura scoring a brisk 54, Kumar Sangakkara an aggressive 46 and Mahela Jayawardene finishing off the game with an undefeated 37.

Having won the first test in Galle by 50 runs, Sri Lanka now have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-test series and can celebrate their first series win against Pakistan on home soil.

The run chase had been set up by bowlers Rangana Herath and Nuwan Kulasekara, the pair ripping through the Pakistan order after lunch as nine wickets fell for just 35 runs.

Spinner Herath claimed career-best figures of 5-99 and seamer Kulasekara finished with 4-37 as Pakistan were dismissed for 320.

A few hours earlier, Pakistan had seized control of the match when makeshift opener Fawad Alam (168) and skipper Younus Khan (82) compiled a 200-run partnership to put the tourists in a strong position on 285-1 shortly before lunch.

Pakistan's good position at that stage was remarkable considering their woeful batting on day one when they were bowled out for just 90, a record low against Sri Lanka.

However, a rash reverse sweep from Younus gave Sri Lanka's dispirited fielders a much-needed lift just before the break and ended a record second-wicket stand at the P. Sara Oval.

UNUSUAL PLOY