Pakistan outnumbered Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo on Thursday to sweep the series 2-0. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali claimed a career-best 7-70 to lead his side to victory inside four days.

The tourists overpowered the hosts and had a comprehensive victory by an innings and 222 runs in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground where rain spoiled the sport on third day after 10 overs were bowled.

Batting second Pakistan had set a mammoth trail for Sri Lanka. Abduallah Shafique and Salman Ali Agha were star batters for their side. Shafique had his double ton while Agha coming at number seven scored a century.

Sri Lanka conceded a lead of 410 when Pakistan declared innings. Angelo Mathews was unbeaten on 63 but his side was all out for 188 in the second. They managed 166 in the first innings.

Though Noman was the leading wicket-taker, pacer Naseem Shah claimed the remaining three wickets to complete the finishing the team needed for their biggest win in Sri Lanka.

“Very proud to win this series and all credit to the guys and the support staff for working so hard in the last three to four months,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam said.

Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne lamented that their batting was poor and they gave away wickets.

“We won the toss and chose to bat but 160 is not enough on this wicket,” he said of their below-par first-innings display.

He added that Pakistan won the crucial moments in the game and their batting was the key.

“The way our bowlers bowled here, it was good because there wasn’t much for them.”

On day four, the Green Shirts played two overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan completed his half-century.

Salman was declared player of the series while Shafique had the player of the match trophy his career-best 201.

(With input from Reuters)