Sri Lanka's victory push against Pakistan in second Test held up by bad light

Sri Lanka's hopes of winning the second Test against Pakistan took a hit when 26 overs were lost to bad light that brought Day 4 to an early close in Galle on Wednesday.

Pakistan reached 89-1 in their second innings at stumps after being set what would be a world-record run-chase of 508 – but only six overs were bowled after tea leaving the home side frustrated.

The visitors need another 419 runs to win, with the far more realistic prospect that Pakistan could bat out the final day to draw the game and secure a 1-0 series victory.

Dhananjaya de Silva, who hit 109 earlier in his team's second innings, said the hosts were wary that bad light could mean another shortened final session on Thursday.

"We need to get wickets early tomorrow," he said. "The key is to bowl at one point consistently."

Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq added 42 runs for the first wicket, seeing through the first hour of what looked like a long grind for Pakistan.

Shafique, who scored an unbeaten 160 in the first Test when Pakistan successfully chased down 342 runs to set a record at Galle, was dismissed for 16. He was spectacularly caught by debutant Dunith Wellalage, who ran in from mid-on.

Captain Babar Azam joined Imam and looked comfortable against spin as they added an unbroken 47 runs for the second wicket.

After the 28th over of the innings, the Pakistan batters successfully complained to the umpires that they were struggling to see the ball. Imam was unbeaten on 46 when play was called off and Babar 26 not out.

West Indies’ 418 against Australia in 2003 is currently the highest-ever successful fourth innings run chase, But the Sri Lankans were cautious about a declaration with a run-friendly surface and Pakistan having, in Babar, one