Sri Lanka's resounding 246-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test in Galle has seen them break into the top five of the ICC World Test Championship standings.

Spinner Ramesh Mendis claimed a five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka bowled out Pakistan for 231 on day three of the second Test to lead by 147 runs on Tuesday.

The plaudits have come in thick and fast for first Test hero Abdullah Shafique with a former Pakistan great declaring his match-winning innings against Sri Lanka as one of the greatest he has ever seen from a Pakistan player.

Abdullah Shafique struck 160 not out in a fourth innings masterclass to help Pakistan pull off a stunning chase and register a four-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the opening test in Galle on Wednesday.

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed four wickets as Pakistan bowled out Sri Lanka for 222 in the opening Test on Saturday.