OTD: Mahela Jayawardene played his last Test innings

On August 18, 2014, Sri Lanka's great Mahela Jayawardene played his last ever Test innings. Sri Lanka, in their home ground, was able to arrange a farewell for the iconic cricketer in a grand way, as they outclassed Pakistan in the match with pure dominance.

The individual brilliance of Rangana Herath mainly created the difference between these two teams. He took 5 wickets in the second innings to go with the first innings' 9-wicket figure. Herath won the man of the match award for his overall 14-wicket haul. Jayawardene made his last Test innings more memorable with a 54-run innings.

Until the last innings, the game was leading towards a draw. A Sri Lankan bowling dependent could not let that happen. Herath's second-innings 5-wicket spell was accompanied by Dhammika Prasad's brace and economical bowling from Chanaka Welegedara. Pakistan lost all of their scalps for only 165 runs while they were chasing a target of 271.

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Pakistan could not stand against Sri Lankan bowling attack 

Sarfaraz Ahmed was the only centurion of the match. The Pakistan keeper-batter scored a brilliant 103-run knock in the first innings and a half century in the second phase of the match. Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga missed the century by only 8 runs in the first innings. It was the home team's bowling part that made the difference. Sri Lanka won the match by 105 runs.

After the match Jayawardene said, "I don't know what to say, but I promise I won't cry...love you all, thank you so much for the support all these years." During his speech, he thanked his teammates, the Pakistan cricket team, coaches, and everyone who was related to his cricket career. 

Summary of the iconic match:

Sri Lanka: 320 and 282

Pakistan: 332 and 165

Sri Lanka won the game by 105 runs