Ajmal rues costly factors
Spin bowler Saeed Ajmal admitted Pakistan were troubled by factors other than Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara's double century, on day four of the first Test match at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.
Spin bowler Saeed Ajmal admitted Pakistan were troubled by factors other than Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara's double century, on day four of the first Test match on Saturday.
Sangakkara's magnificent 221 carried the hosts to an impressive total of 533 for nine declared, before the Pakistanis slipped to four for one – and a 78 run deficit – at the Galle International Stadium.
Ajmal proved the pick of the bowlers, ending a substantial spell without a wicket by completing figures of five for 166 in five deliveries short of 60 overs. While fellow slow bowler Abdur Rehman removed Sangakkara, Ajmal's dismissal of the in-form Angelo Mathews was key.
"Sangakkara played very well, but the story would have been different if some catches had been taken or some decisions had favoured us," said Ajmal.
"We are confident that we will not lose this match, but we have to see how the first session goes on Saturday."
Opener Khurram Manzoor departed late in the day, falling to spinner Rangana Herath for just three. The talented Ahmed Shehzad and nightwatchman Ajmal will resume on one not out and zero not out respectively.
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