Unbeaten centuries from Shan Masood and Younis Khan have given Pakistan a glimpse of hope against Sri Lanka as they require 147 runs with eight wickets remaining to win the third and final Test in Pallekele.
The tourists had a mountain to climb after lunch with 377 runs needed for victory following Imran Khan's five-wicket haul in the morning session.
It was a poor start to Pakistan's second innings when Ahmed Shehzad was bowled for a duck by Suranga Lakmal after facing just three balls.
With Pakistan having just 13 runs on the board, Azhar Ali was the second to fall for five off the bowling of Dhammika Prasad, but Masood and Khan weathered the storm and struck a prolific partnership.
Sri Lanka's bowlers failed to cope and in particular, Tharindu Kaushal conceded 92 runs in 20 overs as Masood and Khan claimed an unbeaten 215-run partnership by stumps.
Pakistan will continue their innings tomorrow morning on 230-2, with Masood and Khan on 114 and 101 runs respectively.
Danielle Joynson
