Shafique scripts epic at Galle to down Sri Lanka

It was a tense fifth day morning, with Pakistan needing 120 more with seven wickets in hand to pull off a record chase at Galle against Sri Lanka.

But even though three wickets fell, and Pakistan survived multiple close calls on a day when the play was halted briefly by rain, Abdullah Shafique's continued presence meant that Pakistan always had the chase in hand.  

Shafique hit an epic 160 to anchor Pakistan's record chase of 342 at Galle as the tourists won a thrilling opening Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

The opener capped his marathon display with the winning runs in the final session on day five, jumping for joy and pumping his fist as Pakistan triumphed by four wickets for a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Pakistan went on to accomplish their second highest successful chase of 342 riding Shafique's career-best knock, which included seven fours and a six.

"The way he [Shafique] plays, so clean and with his focus, he will get many, many more such knocks," said Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who was involved in a key third-wicket stand of 101 with Shafique to set up the chase.

"I hope that he becomes one of the best openers in the world."

The 22-year-old batted for just under nine hours and five sessions against a spin attack led by the in-form Prabath Jayasuriya, who took a match tally of nine wickets.

"As a youngster, when you prove yourself and perform in tough conditions and difficult tracks, then it's good," Azam told reporters.

"His confidence was high after performing against Australia so he was on a different level. And to perform against quality bowling, your confidence goes up higher."

Shafique survived three dropped catches, on 70, 135 and 151, but deserved his luck and played the anchor's role to perfection as he surpassed his previous Test best of 136 not out.

Shafique, who was named man of the match, said: "It was difficult but with time it was easier. Babar is one of the best in the world. We have learnt so much from him. I enjoyed batting with him in the middle."