This Test was like a lorry plying though the unending dry desert highway till suddenly the landscape changed to a bumpy downhill road with potholes and craters and landslides and gorges to one side. Superb match all in all. The final report is up on the site, and there is a lot of post-match analysis to come. This is DF signing off till the next Test. Ciao ciao.

Presentation:

Jayawardene gets a special award from Jayananda Warnaweera.

Jayawardene: "It is a special place. The best thing is the team and that shows a lot of confidence. Emotions aside we will enjoy this win,the icing on the cake. Just focusing on winning the next."

Mahela was emotional and paused several times in his brief speech. The fireworks were an interruption. Mahela patiently waited till the crackers ceased.

Herath is the Man of the Match: "It was a batsman-friendly pitch and we bowled in the right areas. We played very well. As a spinner on the 4th and 5th day I knew there would be something. Congrats to Mahela and this is the best gift for retirement."

Misbah: "Tough one. Dropped catches cost us, especially of Sangakkara and that really us. Second innings batting could have been better. The better team won. SL were at the top of their game. Our first innings performance was good, especially after losing three early wickets. Ajmal was also a positive sign, Junaid too. We need to forgot these sort of games. Sangakkara really put the pressure back on us."

Mathews: "It was one of the best games I have taken part. Herath was unbelievable. Went down to the wire in the last five games and we never gave up till the end. What an unbelievable player Mahela is, hopefully we can win the next game as well. I was praying for a bit of sunshine and we got through at the right time."

Ramiz Raja calls this a "pathetic and listless performance from Pakistan." He also said he was glad the rain didn't spoil the show because "Sri Lanka richly deserved this."

5.39 pm The firecracker stock is still alive and they have all been set alight.. IT has started to pour down.. Take a bow Angelo, you have beaten the elements here and given a perfect farewell to Mahela Jayawardene.. Sri Lanka take a 1-0 lead in the two match series. The stage is set for Jayawardene's finale at the SSC.

What drama we have had here over the last two hours ! Only 99 runs to get in 21 overs, who would have thought that it would hold the cricket fans the world over hanging on the edge.. Rain, no rain, clouds, light.. few wickets..And Sri Lanka have beaten them all.

Rewind to two days back when this match was just trundling at a snail's pace, batsmen making merry, nothing for the bowlers. .. the only result that looked certain at that stage was a draw.. then came a familiar Pakistan collapse on the last day, the credit for which has to be given to Herath and Co.. Then the last session.. woof.. I have lost my fingers.. Hang on for the presentation.

Taraka: "My word. Sri lanka have made last minute finishes their "thing"!"

kruger: "holy smoke it's raining could you believe it; rain gods hung in there to see the home team through:"

Fahad: "What an epic response from Sri Lanka after their last match defeat against Pakistan at Sharjah.."

Kamal: "It should be acknowledged fact that there is no team better than Pakistan at giving thrilling matches!"

madura: "if you look back its pak defensive strategy cost them this game. It gave sri lankan spinner more opportunity and another 20-25 runs could have changed the outcome this game. "

It's all over for Pakistan.. they are checking the light.. . The field comes in.. He runs in and doesn't bowl.. Angelo is not impressed..

Talha comes in..

Muhammad Munsif: "it's raining sixes!!"

Shan Fastian: "Rain Where the DUCK are you? *Pakistani Fans*"

Pakistan know this is gone now.. the reaction of their fielders is saying it.. but they need to fight on

Angelo is doing it for his senior..

24 off six..

Hashim: "Pakistan take two reviews.. good time to use a review? will take a min or two away :P"

Mike: "Wouldn't mind seeing a couple of dil-scoops in honour of another great Sri Lankan batsman!"

It's getting dark again ladies and gentlemen

Jason : "Sangakkara is out ?! It shows he is only human people. Phew !"

Vithanage is the new man..

But Sri Lanka are still ahead.. As long as there is someone to hit around, the wouldn't care.. Win is more important.

Sohaib: "GOT HIM - GONE!! The rain seems to have short circuited the batteries on the run machine."

26 runs off seven.. Sri Lanka seem to be winning this race against the rain gods..

It is a touch brighter than ten minutes ago..

All eyes on the skies..

hashim: "haha tables have turned.. last match these two teams played.. very similar situations but Lankans wanted the bad light.."

37 runs, eight overs..

D: "For the love of God Russell!!! Stop talking about the weather!!!!!!!"

Russell Arnold says that the cloud is probably going away..It's getting bright according to him

cric-lover: "gotto to luv SL Test matches... last three have been nail biters.... "

Gibbo: "Easy! Six sixes and a four does it from here. Then they can beat that rain too!"