Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4 Highlights: PAK 89/1 vs SL in 508-Run Chase

Right then, a lot of overs have been lost on Day 4, around 25 overs in total and that will certainly have a prominent impact on the outcome of the game. The game seems to be heading towards a draw from the offset but Sri Lanka will believe that if they get Babar and Imam early on, then the middle order of Pakistan is quite fragile. Pakistan though will be determined to make use of the help they have been given by the conditions and see the day out. Join us for a riveting final day and the first ball will be bowled at 9.45 am IST (4.15 am GMT). Our build-up though will begin much sooner. Cheers!

Pakistan have been second best throughout this game but what they did in the fourth innings of the previous game has helped them here too. The opposition had to bat for a prolonged period of time because of the mental advantage that Pakistan had and the visitors themselves have so far batted pretty well in the chase. Skipper Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq are the two batters in good nick and they will be feeling if they negotiate the morning session on Day 5 well, they can draw the game and seal the series victory.

Sri Lanka opted not to declare at Lunch and then played for some more time after the interval and this additional time taken in declaration might cost them dearly. The hosts managed to pick up only one wicket in the afternoon session and with just six overs being completed in the final session before the players had to go off, the Lankan bowlers haven't had much of a chance to make inroads before the end of Day 4. It will now require a big effort from their bowlers early on Day 5 to have a chance of getting the win.

Unfortunately, the scenes from the ground show that after bad light stopped play, there was a massive dark cloud hovering over the ground and Stumps have been officially called. Day 4 has provided many twists and turns in the game and whilst the opening session belonged to Sri Lanka, at the moment, a draw looks the likeliest of outcomes. The hosts were cruising early in the day but given what happened in the last game, they had to ensure they got a lead of over 500 runs in order to shut down Pakistan from having a sniff of winning the game but that has backfired.

UPDATE 4.20 pm IST (10.50 am GMT) - Still no official word from the ground. Given play was stopped around this time last evening, Stumps looming large at the moment. And if that happens, then Pakistan will be breathing a huge sigh of relief but the hosts will just get more and more frustrated by it. Stay tuned for further updates.

The two umpires are in a discussion now and the Pakistani batters are already walking towards the pavilion. After the long discussion, the umpires decide that it is time to go off! Pakistan have been aided by bad light and Sri Lanka will be kicking themselves at the moment. For now, the play has been suspended due to bad light. Also, the covers are on too as there is a chance of a shower as well. Stay tuned for further updates.

Slightly shorter and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq goes on his back foot and tucks it through square leg for one. The batters are indicating to the umpire that it is becoming difficult to sight the ball now.

Flighted on middle and off, Imam-ul-Haq strides forward and defends it.

Floated full and on off, Babar Azam pushes it through covers for one.

On middle again, fuller, Babar Azam again is solid in his defense.

Tossed up on middle, Babar Azam leans on and defend it on the front foot.

Dunith Wellalage starts with a floated delivery and on middle, Babar Azam pushes it towards short mid on.

That is more like it for Mendis. He bowls this quicker through the air and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq blocks it out well.

A bit short and outsideoff, Imam-ul-Haq punches it of his back foot through covers for a brace.

The groundstaff is standing by! The light has dipped and the covers might come on anytime here now. This is not the sight Sri Lanka would have wanted to see right now. The bionic glasses are out for Kumar Dharmasena and yesterday when the play was stopped, the reading on the light-meter was 5.7 and it is pretty close to that right now as well. For now atleast, the play will go on.

Darts this one on middle and leg, Imam-ul-Haq inside edge this past short leg.

On middle, blocked out.

Tossed up short around off, turning away and with a bit of bounce, Imam-ul-Haq stays back and blocks it out.

Sharp turn! This is slower through the air and on off, turning away sharply, Imam-ul-Haq lets it go to the keeper.

On middle, blocked out.