Pakistan lost their second and third wicket of the day before reaching tea on 126-3 on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
The tourists lost opener Khurram Manzoor (23) in the morning session, which made the task of surpassing Sri Lanka's total of 320 even harder.
However, after lunch Ahmed Shehzad and Azhar Ali were able to strike up a decent partnership before Ali was dismissed for 32 by Rangana Herath.
Shehzad was able to steer Pakistan's attack by reaching a half-century, but shortly afterwards he was sent back to the pavilion by Dilruwan Perera after hitting 58 from 85 balls.
Younis Khan (10 not out) and Misbah-ul-Haq will return to the crease for the last few hours of the day.
