Pakistan chase 342 to record their 2nd-highest run-chase in Tests, take 1-0 series lead vs Sri Lanka

Pakistan recorded their second highest ever successful run-chase in Test cricket to beat Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle on Wednesday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Pakistan chased down the target of 342 with four wickets remaining against Sri Lanka in the Galle Test to register their second highest successful chase in Test history and take a 1-0 lead on Wednesday. The biggest target overhauled by Pakistan in Test cricket continues to remain 377 against the same opponents in Pallekele in 2015.

SL vs PAK, Galle Test, Day 5: Highlights

Pakistan began the session looking to knock off the runs quickly and Hasan Ali perished early in that attempt. Mohammad Nawaz came to support Abdullah Shafique and together they kept chipping away at the target.

Shafique offered a way back for Sri Lanka when he top-edged a slog sweep towards deep square leg and Kasun Rajitha made a complete mess of the catch. If that had been taken, Pakistan may have had a pretty nervy chase towards the end but that was not the case. In the end, they got there with 4 wickets to spare and made this record chase seem pretty easy.

Pakistan resumed at 222/3 on Day 5, needing 120 runs to grab the lead in the two-Test series. Sri Lanka appeared to have the upper hand in the contest after they posted 337 in their second innings, setting Pakistan a daunting target of 342. However, Pakistan were helped by Abdullah Shafique, who smashed 158*(408) in the second innings.

Shafique combined with Imam-ul-Haq (35) in an opening stand of 87 and later raised 101 with skipper Babar Azam (55) in a vastly improved batting display by the tourists, who were skittled out for 218 in the first innings.

An incredible victory for PakistanWatch #SLvPAK LIVE on https://t.co/MHHfZPyHf9 with a Test Series Pass (in select regions) #WTC23 | Scorecard: https://t.co/Zjbsh8Hg2c pic.twitter.com/smrvr7lj0d