At the conclusion of the fourth day of play in the second Test against Pakistan at the Galle International Stadium, here in Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva's century, together with significant contributions from Dimuth Karunaratne and Ramesh Mendis, put Sri Lanka in an essentially unbeatable position.
After Sri Lanka declared their second essay on 360 for 8, Pakistan was 89 for 1 at day's end and needed 419 runs on the final day to complete an unprecedented run-chase. Pakistan was chasing 508 for a victory.
Late on day three, Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva's partnership saved Sri Lanka from their predicament of 117/5. The two continued to score runs on day four despite facing every challenge Pakistan could provide.
In the initial exchanges, both batters were committed in their defence, choosing to rotate strikes frequently rather than looking for boundaries. Early in the day, Sri Lanka's captain Karunaratne became the sixth batter from the country to reach the exclusive 6000-run club.
Once they focused, the limits began to flow consistently. With a four through midwicket, Dhananjaya started the 100-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Karunratne reached his 31st Test fifty in his very next over. Not to be left behind, his fellow batting partner reached the milestone a few overs after him.
Abdullah Shafique pulled off a remarkable catch at short leg to break the stubborn stand, which required something exceptional to do. Dunith Wellalage was out for 18, but Dhananjaya's barrage of boundaries allowed Sri Lanka to add 121 runs to their overnight total before lunch.
Sri Lanka led by 444 runs at the half, however the hosts elected to bat in the afternoon session in light of Pakistan's historic 342 run comeback in the first Test.
With a boundary, Dhananjaya de Silva reached his ninth century in Test cricket. In the opposite corner, Ramesh Mendis struck Hasan Ali three times in a row with fours to push the lead above 500. As Sri Lanka finally requested a declaration, Yasir Shah delivered a direct hit to end the centurion's innings, giving Pakistan a target of 508.
Pakistan opened their innings with purpose in response. Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique were amongst runs.
The in-form Shafique had to be caught by Wellalage with an outstanding catch. Imam and Babar Azam, who once again stepped out to bat at No. 3, helped Pakistan maintain a strong run rate in spite of the wicket.
As they cautiously batted into tea, the two hitters made sure the Sri Lankan spinner didn't cause any additional harm. The players were escorted off the field by poor lighting just as the game was entering its last hour of play. After that, no play was possible because the umpires declared early stumps.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 378 (Dinesh Chandimal 80, Niroshan Dickwella 51; Naseem Shah 3-58, Yasir Shah 3-83) & 360/8 (Dhananjaya de Silva 109, Angelo Mathews 61; Naseem Shah 2-44, Mohammad Nawaz 2-75) lead Pakistan 231 (Agha Salman 62, Imam ul Haq 32; Ramesh Mendis 5-47, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-80) & 89/1 (Imam ul Haq 46 not out) by 418 runs