Pak draw third Test, win series against SL

Sharjah: Sri Lanka failed in their bid for a series-leveling victory in the third and final Test against Pakistan on Monday, frustrated by a lengthy rain delay and the resistance of the hosts at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan, set an improbable 255 to win in a minimum of 61 overs, ended on 87-4 to secure a draw and wrap up a 1-0 series victory.

Sri Lanka, resuming on their overnight total of 164-5, were stalled by morning drizzle that wiped out the entire first session.
Once play finally got under way 35 minutes after lunch, the visitors pushed their score to 181-6 before declaring.
Opener Tharanga Paranavitana ended unbeaten on 76, a knock that included five fours and a six off 168 deliveries.
Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal claimed 3-50, including the wicket of Kosala Kulasekara (7), while pacer Umar Gul took 2-44.
Kulasekara was bowled off the under-edge trying to force through the off side.
Sri Lanka added just 17 runs in 4.2 overs before captain Tillakaratne Dilshan opted to declare the innings.
Pakistan wobbled early as they tried to preserve their 1-0 series lead.

Substitute Lahiru Thirimanne inspired the breakthrough, his direct hit from mid-on removing Mohammad Hafeez for 13 at 20-1.
Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath added the wicket of Azhar Ali, before seamer Chanaka Welegedara quickly claimed first-innings centurion Younus Khan.
Azhar (7) was out lbw playing inside the line of a turning delivery, while Younus (11) chipped an on-drive to mid-on.
Opener Taufeeq Umar and captain Misbah-ul-Haq took Pakistan to tea on 61-3 and further dulled Sri Lanka after the break.
Taufeeq compiled 39 of 121 balls before Suraj Randiv struck to give Sri Lanka a late opportunity.
Taufeeq, who hit four fours, struck a delivery straight to backward point.
Randiv was confident he had a fifth wicket on a thin edge from Asad Shafiq to the wicket-keeper.
But umpire Simon Taufel ruled not out and Misbah and Shafiq continued to stonewall the Sri Lanka attack in a partnership of 10 that spanned 95 balls.
Misbah ended on 9 not out off 86 deliveries while Shafiq made 7 off 55 balls.
Herath (1-19), Welegedara (1-19) and Randiv (1-21) produced the breakthroughs for Sri Lanka.
The two teams begin a five-match one-day series in Dubai on Friday.