SHARJAH: Stylish left-handed batsman Kumar Sangakkara on Friday termed it a privilege to reach 9,000 Test runs during his attractive knock of 144 in the third and final Test against Pakistan at Sharjah stadium.
"It's pretty encouraging to know that I've reached 9,000 Test runs," said Sangakkara, who is the 11th batsmen in the world and second Sri Lankan behind Mahela Jayawardene to reach the milsestone.
The former captain anchored Sri Lankan first innings to 413, before Pakistan finished the second day on 35-2, still 378 runs behind. Pakistan lead the three-Test series 1-0.
Sangakkara said his job is to score runs as he enjoyed a good run of form which saw him hitting a match-saving 211 in the drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi. He also made 78 in Pakistan's nine-wicket win in the second Test in Dubai.
"My job is to just keep scoring runs and doing as well as I can for the team. Every Test match is a new challenge. I am enjoying my career at the moment and I am looking forward to doing what I can for the side," said the 34-year-old.
Sangakkara miscued a pull off spinner Saeed Ajmal soon after lunch and his dismissal triggered a middle-order collapse which saw Sri Lanka lose four quick wickets.
"It was disappointing (to get out) because at that stage if I had waited for a few more overs, we would have pushed on quite hard perhaps when we got closer to tea," said Sangakkara.
Sangakkara hoped his bowlers restrict Pakistan to 250 on Saturday.
"The pitch is still batting friendly. The wicket was a bit slow on the first two days and it will probably be the same on Saturday. It's not the easiest wicket to play, so it would be good if we can restrict them to under 250."
Pakistan spinner Ajmal hoped his team bat as well as they did in the first two Tests.
"We need to bat well and take lead," said Ajmal. "We are positive and want to win this Test so that we can win the series 2-0 and I am happy to play my part," said Ajmal, who finished with 4-132.
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