Only a handful of Sri Lankans were fortunate to see Kumar Sangakkara’s majestic 192 against the Australians in Hobart, but a repeat effort was being showcased at the Singhalese Spots Club ground yesterday as the newly anointed Sri Lankan captain played probably his best match saving knock and enabled Sri Lanka to finish off the series without losing a match.

His fantastic effort at Hobart eventually proved pointless, courtesy Rudi Koertzen as Sri Lanka lost a gripping Test Match against Ricky Ponting’s side. But here he left nothing for chance even giving the loose balls the respect that they didn’t deserve.

Set an imposing target of 492 in 149 overs and five sessions, Sri Lanka resumed the day on 183 for three with Sangakkara on 50 and he remained till the end batting for nearly eight hours to ensure that Sri Lankans got out of jail and their series win wasnspoilt by a defeat in the final Test. Sri Lanka finished the day on 391 for four, 101 runs short to complete a World Record run chase when play was called off with the mandatory 15 overs remaining.

Over the last nine years, there had been several flashy knocks by the elegant Sri Lankan captain, but here Sangakkara showed little flair, but nevertheless that was exactly what his team wanted considering circumstances.

The left-hander, who arrived at the crease after tea on day four batted through the whole of day five for his 19th Test hundred and the fifth against Pakistan. His near eight hour vigil resulted in 130 runs in 303 balls and ironically he managed just seven boundaries.

Pakistan were ruing the missed opportunity off Sangakkara on 40 the previous evening and like all good players he made most of the reprieve.

The hosts lost just one wicket on the final day after Thilan Samaraweera batted through the afternoon session with his captain adding 122 runs for the fourth wicket.

Samaraweera was the more aggressive partner as he hit 11 boundaries during his 73 in 143 balls. After lunch he suffered from cramps and left -armer Mohammad Aamer made it tougher for him peppering the batsman with some short pitched bowling including one that struck his helmet.

He was dismissed the very next ball as a Saeed Ajmal’s doosra took the outside edge and went through to Kamran Akmal behind the stumps.

But that was the only success Pakistan would have for the rest of the day as Angelo Mathews joined Sangakkara and applied himself to ensure a Sri Lankan ended with a draw.

Mathews, in his first Test series has impressed the selectors and his effort yesterday will certainly go a long way in him earning a permanent place in the side. Sri Lanka could have given into emotion by sending Vaas ahead of Mathews, but they preferred to send the 21-year-old ahead of the veteran, who batted with guts for his maiden Test fifty.

Mathews shares a lot of things similar with Vaas. Both studied at one of the leading catholic education institutes in the country, St. Joseph’s College, put up by the committed Oblate Missionaries. They represent the same club in domestic cricket – Colts CC and it was fitting that as one Old Joe was making his exit from Test cricket another was making his presence felt.

Mathews drove Danish Kaneria through midwicket to reach his half-century after tea and in the next over bowled by Saeed Ajmal hit a six and a four making people wonder whether the Sri Lankans were setting their targets on a T-20 style run chase in the final hour. But with Tillekeratne Dilshan injured they opted to be cautious and see off the remaining overs.

The fifth wicket stand was 114 runs worth as Sri Lanka made a strong comeback in the game after a poor effort with the bat in the first innings.

Personally it would have been very satisfying for Sangakkara as his wicket keeping had come in for criticism after three missed chances during Pakistan’s second innings. But Sri Lanka owed the draw to him as he showed patience in abundance with total commitment to the team’s cause and was fittingly named Man of the Match.

Sadly for Chaminda Vaas he could take no part in his final Test Match, but Sri Lanka Cricket gave him a fitting farewell. His parents, wife and two kids were in the presentation podium during the post match celebrations and Vaas got a rousing send off. SLC also presented him a cheque to the tune of Rs. 1 million.

(Target 492)

(Overnight 183-3)

T. Paranavitana c Alam b Malik 73

M. Warnapura c Malik b Kaneria 31

K. Sangakkara not out 130

M. Jayawardene c Akmal b Kaneria 2

T. Samaraweera c Akmal b Ajmal 73

A. Mathews 64

Extras: (1b, 7lb, 9nb, 1w) 18

Overs: 134

Fall of wickets: 1-83, 2-139, 3-155, 4-277.

Did not bat: T. Dilshan, C. Vaas, T. Thushara, R. Herath and N. Kulasekera.

Bowling: Gul 12-0-65-0 (5nb), Aamer 21-5-46-0 (1nb), Y. Khan 8-0-25-0 (1w) , Ajmal 43-9-95-1, Malik 14-1-38-1 (3nb), Kaneria 36-3-114-2.

Umpires: I. Gould (Eng), S. Taufel (Aus)

TV umpire: G. Silva (SL)

Match Referee: A. Hurst (Aus)

Toss: Won by Sri Lanka.

Result: Match Drawn

Series: Sri Lanka win three-Test series 2-0.