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Pakistan though, will wait anxiously. They have got nothing on the international FTP, till July 2020 and will be waiting on Bangladesh's confirmation. Talks are in place for the yesteryears' 'East Pakistan' to tour this nation. Will they agree? For Pakistan's sake, let us hope they do. That is all we have for you right now. International cricket in Asia ends for this year. Hope you enjoyed it. Looking forward to an exciting 2020. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Right. That ends a historic tour of Pakistan by Sri Lanka. Really commendable of them for agreeing to tour the nation and this might just encourage other sides to come here. They will be disappointed but do not have time to dwell on too much on this defeat. Because if this was tough, their next challenge is even tougher. The tour of India which comprises of 3 T20Is. All the best to them to begin 2020 on a good note.

A special moment. Azhar Ali takes the trophy in his hands but he has barely moved a couple of paces before the entire team charges out towards him! They want that trophy. A win in front of your home crowd. The real home. No wonder they are beaming. Congratulations! They are now third in the ICC World Test Championship, earning 80 points but are way behind Australia and India.

Victorious Pakistan captain, Azhar Ali, is beaming. Thanks the almighty and agrees that they needed this win. Thanks the Sri Lankans from the bottom of his heart for travelling to Pakistan and further says that the Lankans have no idea about the happiness given by them to Pakistan cricket fans by this gesture. Coming over to this series, Azhar says that it has been a tough passage of time in the recent past but they wanted to start their home season well. Feels satisfied with this result. On exciting talents in Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, Ali is awed by their skill, especially their ability to learn the art of fast bowling very quickly. Praises all the fast bowlers for coming hard in the first innings after the batsmen got bowled out for 191. Then, he comes to the openers in the second innings, for setting the tone and taking the game away from Sri Lanka. But also finds words of praise for Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq for fighting hard in the first innings. On Pakistan bouncing back in the second innings, Azhar says that is the job of the team management - keep the team calm under pressure - which was done and the effect showed. On his own return to form, Ali is happy to have finally got a big innings after a long time and hopes to carry on this form. On the summary of the two Tests, Azhar wants to take this confidence into away series. Praises the bowlers because no one had an idea how to bowl on Pakistan wickets but adjusting well and quickly. Hopes to build on this confidence now. Thanks the security agencies for their excellent work and also the crowd for turning up in large numbers.

Sri Lankan skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne, manages a smile. Believes that his team dominated on the first two days but then credits Azhar Ali and his side for putting the pressure back on them. Stresses that patience is the key in Tests and that is where Pakistan outplayed them. On the lead of 80 not being good enough, Karunaratne does not agree. He feels it was good enough at that time but then laments the runs given away in the second innings, that too, at a quick rate. Agrees that they got dominated over the last three days. Asked for positives, Dimuth points out to Oshada Fernando's mental toughness with his century, then Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella and Lahiru Kumara. Wants the others to lift their level up like these four. Thanks the crowd for turning in large numbers and praises the security offered to the players. Hopes to come back to Pakistan again to play cricket.

ABID ALI HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH AND SERIES. Big impact in the first Test. Thanks the almighty for helping him earn this respect. Admits that his hard work in domestic cricket has reaped rich dividends in this historic game. Calls this as a proud moment for him and his family and thanks all his supporters. On his batting confidence, Ali says that he has self-belief and keeps working and staying positive. Adds that he also tries to help others and also tries to improve on his shot selection and work on small technical glitches. On the failure in Australia but doing well here, Abid says that even though the team lost Down Under, they practiced hard and kept trying, believing in one another. Points that to the reason behind this win. Thanks the crowd for turning up here and also in Rawalpindi.

Abid Ali is being given a memento by Zaheer Abbas for becoming the first male cricketer to score centuries on ODI and Test debuts. Terrific feat.

Positives for Sri Lanka - well, the pace bowling in the first innings and Embuldeniya's line and length. Then Dinesh Chandimal's solid innings with the bat. But no consistency in the second dig, apart from Niroshan Dickwella and Oshada Fernando. Pakistan's happiness would be with the fact that two youngsters picked up 5-fers in each innings - Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Who gets the Man Of The Match though? Here comes the presentation...

A Test match or any format for that matter, is all about taking the opportunities. Sri Lanka had the chance to finish the game on Day 3 itself. They had 14 overs to bowl under fading light on Friday evening (Day 2) but that wicketless passage gave terrific confidence to the hosts. Pakistan grabbed THAT moment. Perhaps at that stage, the Lankans took it lightly. They expected the pitch to offer sideways and lateral movement, including spin but were not consistent at all. Pakistan, on the other hand, knew they had their backs to the wall and had no way to go but ahead. And they went. On and on and on they went. For 131 overs, with the top 4 scoring centuries. Then in the final innings, when Sri Lanka were pushed into a corner, the visitors cowed away.

What was different from the two sides? The approach. In the first dig, Pakistan were nervous and Sri Lanka pounced. But once the home side got over its nerves, they pounced back. It was that moment where the Lankans failed. They had lesser discipline as compared to Pakistan and got a lead of only 80. Yes. Only 80, in hindsight. But at that time, it seemed it was good enough.

16 balls. That is all the Test match lasted on Day 5. A 16-year old has brought smiles to millions of faces in Pakistan. Not sure this was present on the first two days when the hosts folded for 191 and then conceded a lead of 80. But the second innings batting was simply too magnanimous.

Shan Masood is now having a chat with Bazid Khan. On this win, Masood says that the team had a chat before this series and everyone was disappointed with the Adelaide loss. Stresses that everyone had to contribute if the team had to win and feels satisfied that every member of the playing XI contributed in some way or the other. On nervousness about playing an international game for the first time in Pakistan, Masood says that it did reflect in their first innings with the bat but as soon as it sinked in and they settled into it, they came back and performed collectively as a unit. On his opening stand with Abid Ali, Shan says that he and Abid have played a lot of domestic cricket for Islamabad and hence both are familiar with each other. Further says that the talk of the dressing room was to score big which was missing in Australia, apart from Babar Azam. Is happy that 4 batsmen could contribute big. On him being the 'local' lad, Masood smiles and says that he has played for numerous sides so he finds it difficult to choose which region he belongs to. Ends by saying that they will be looking at this break, spend time with their families and then gear up for the next series, which would be Bangladesh (if they agree to come) as they know they have a few important ones lined up.

Bazid Khan is interviewing Waqar Younis. Pakistan's bowling coach says that when he played cricket, it was much different then. But this one, is much emotional, as Test cricket has returned to Pakistan after 10 years. Admits that the entire dressing room had the feeling that it would end quickly this morning and is thankful to the almighty for everything. On Naseem Shah's impressive bowling, Younis honestly feels that these are very early days for the youngster. Lauds him, the management and the selectors but wants to wait and see how the lad develops. Is happy that Shaheen Afridi did well and Mohammad Abbas got back to form. Stresses that in the past, Karachi has always been favourable to pacers. Wants more Tests to be played at home and believes that this unit will take Pakistan cricket a long way. On being asked to compare this series with the ones in the Middle East, Waqar says that it is totally different by using the phrase, 'Home is Home'.

62.5

W

OUT! LBW! Dead plumb and that is it. The game ends. PAKISTAN WIN BY 263 RUNS! A perfect delivery to a tail-ender, very full, almost a yorker, right in line of the stumps. Vishwa looks to get his bat down to dig it out but misses it totally. The ball hits the pads and Naseem screams in joy. The umpire agrees and not surprisingly, Fernando takes the review, since it is the last wicket. Ball Tracker just delays the inevitable as it shows the ball to be crashing into the middle stump. NASEEM BECOMES THE YOUNGEST TO A TEST 5-FER!

End of the match! Vishwa Fernando looks gone. Adjudged LBW but he has taken the review. Seems plumb in the replay. And Ball Tracker confirms. Congratulations Pakistan!

62.4

.

Action replay of the previous delivery. Only this time, the batsman did not move much.

62.3

.

Full and outside off, Vishwa backs away and then tries to put bat on ball needlessly. Almost nicks it behind.

62.2

.

ALMOST THE END! A length ball, in line of the stumps, Vishwa backs away and then looks to defend. Is squared up as the ball moves away but somehow, the cherry goes over the off stump!

62.1

.

A length ball around leg, Vishwa backs away, looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the body.

61.6

.

Full and around middle, watchfully defended.

Lahiru Kumara is the last man in.

61.5

W

OUT! That is a very good catch by Asad Shafiq and the last recognized Sri Lankan batsman is gone! Yasir strikes but this is more due to the fielder. Landed outside off, Oshada goes back and looks to be a bit cheeky, attempting to run this down to third man. The ball travels quickly but Asad Shafiq at first slip reacts swiftly to pouch it! Oshada departs without doing much this morning. End of a good knock though.

61.4

.

Full and around middle, pushed towards the bowler.

61.3

.

That is a ripper. Appreciable turn and bounce. Pitched around off, OF looks to defend but the ball pitches and then zips away off the seam to beat the outside edge.

61.2

.

Floated once more, driven straight to mid off.

61.1

.

Full and outside off, spinning away, Oshada looks to drive but misses.

Yasir Shah to bowl from the other end. 19-2-84-1 so far.

60.6

.

Landed outside off, on a length, Fernando plays inside the line and gets beaten.

60.5

.

Another length ball outside off, Vishwa backs away and just swishes his bat but misses.

60.4

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

60.3

.

Oohh... almost a hat-trick! A length ball, right in line of the stumps, Vishwa backs away and looks like he is going to be cleaned up. But at the last moment, he gets his bat down and blocks it in front of short mid-wicket!

Vishwa Fernando comes in at number 10, replacing Embuldeniya. It is the HAT-TRICK BALL! Three slips, one gully, a leg slip, a leg gully, a silly mid off, a silly mid on and a short leg. What a field!

60.2

W

OUT! There is glove involved and Embuldeniya is caught behind! Good review from Azhar Ali and a terrific snorter from Naseem. Boy, is he pumped up straight away. A short ball to a tail-ender. Right at the body. How does one play that? We have no idea. Neither did Embuldeniya. Pitched around leg stump, Lasith just tries to fend without looking at the ball. The ball rises steeply and goes off something to the keeper. Rizwan straightaway starts to celebrate and so does Naseem but then they realize that Embuldeniya is not going anywhere as he has not been given out. Now, Naseem appeals. But umpire Joel Wilson shakes his head. Azhar Ali comes down towards his bowler, discusses with his mates and then signals the 'T'. Nothing conclusive from the replays but then Ultra Edge detects glove. Sensational bowling.

Caught behind? Drama on the first ball of the morning. Naseem is confident that Embuldeniya has gloved this to the keeper. Umpire Joel Wilson has not given it out though. A confident Naseem has urged his skipper to take the review and Azhar Ali signals the 'T'. Ultra Edge detects glove!

The players are out in the middle. Pakistan team gets into a huddle outside the boundary. LASITH EMBULDENIYA has joined Oshada Fernando in the middle. Now, the hosts spread out. Naseem to continue his over from Day 4. Here we go...

Niroshan Dickwella is having a chat with Roshan Abeysinghe. On his knock last evening, Dikka says that he had a chat with Oshada Fernando and made a plan. Stresses that first he played defensively but missed a couple of balls. Then, he adds that he chose to attack. Feels unfortunate that he got out after the century stand but believes that reverse sweep is his strength and he will not stop playing anything which is his strength. Honestly says that the match went away from Sri Lanka on Day 3 and if someone from his team had batted strongly, they might not have been in this situation. On what different they could have done in the second innings with the ball, Niroshan says that they could have maintained more consistency and intensity.

From Pakistan's point of view, they will hope that the young Naseem Shah gets a 5-fer. He has bowled exceptionally well and the way he setup Dilruwan Perera shows the matured head on his young shoulders. He will be raring to bowl fast this morning and clean this up in a jiffy.

Since Day 2 evening, it has all been Pakistan. Sunday was no different. Barring that one fightback from Oshada Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella, there was nothing much from Sri Lanka. They trail by a mammoth 263 runs and even if they stave off 64 off those, it will be an achievement, considering that only 3 wickets are left.

That time when you feel should we even go to the ground? Should we even switch on the television sets? Shall we just wait for the inevitable update to come which will read Pakistan win the game? With due respect to Sri Lanka, does not seem like there will be any fightback coming this morning. 3 wickets remaining and they might just hope to delay what is going to be the eventual result. Will we even get an hour of play? Hello and a warm welcome to the final day of Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan.

... DAY 5 ...

What is remaining for Sri Lanka in this Test match? Just hope that there is some solid fight shown. But sadly, there are no batting pairs left. Oshada Fernando is the only recognized batsman remaining and given that three tail-enders are to come, this might not last even 30 minutes on Day 5. Join us at 10 am local (0500 GMT) for the final rites of the match and series. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Excellent bowling from Pakistan. On a track where the Lankans toiled and toiled and toiled, struggling to pick wickets for over 2 days, they managed to eke out the edges and got the scalps. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi showed that pace matters as the Lankans were caught hopping in the crease. The 16-year old Naseem will be hoping he gets at least two out of the remaining three wickets, if not all three, for his maiden Test 5-for.

Another day which has belonged to the hosts. They stamped their authority right from the first ball of Day 4 and hammered 160 runs in the opening session. Then, to everyone's surprise, they declared during the Lunch break, catching everyone off guard. The result of that was having the Lankans 5 down for 97 but a rearguard 104-run stand between Dickwella and Oshada has taken this into the fifth day.

One has got to feel for Niroshan Dickwella and Oshada Fernando. The duo did well to almost see off the entire session but with 13 minutes left in the day's play, Dickwella fell and in the final over, Dilruwan perished. Sri Lanka may not have had a realistic chance of winning this but had they got both Oshada and Dickwella in on Monday, they might have made a better attempt in making Pakistan earn their win.

60.1

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! A wicket and that will be it for the day! Naseem gets his third and Pakistan are just 3 wickets away from a win. Although, they will need to come on Day 5 to earn that. A typical tail-ender's dismissal. 'Oh dear. He hit me in the previous ball. Will he fire a bouncer now? It is a bit dark.' Naseem reads all of these. He smartly bowls a length ball, which is slightly wide outside off. What is so smart about that, do you ask? Mind games. Perera is in two minds whether to play or leave and since this is on a length, thinks he can play. Pushes at the wide one and edges it behind. Naseem is jubilant. What a setup to the tail-ender. STUMPS ON DAY 4!

59.6

.

A beauty to end the over. A length ball outside off, OF looks to defend but the ball shapes away and beats the outside edge.

59.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

59.4

2

Down the leg side, flicked towards fine leg for a couple.

59.3

4

EDGED, FOUR! MAIDEN TEST TON FOR OSHADA! Not the best way to get it but he will not mind. A length ball outside off, Fernando looks to guide it to third man but the ball takes the outside edge and runs wide of third slip to the third man fence!

59.2

.

Full and outside off, watchfully played out.

59.1

.

Full and outside off, angling away, left alone.

Shaheen Afridi to bowl again. Might just get only one over. 13-3-45-1 so far.

58.6

.

A short ball, down the leg side, Perera just ducks out of harm's way.

58.5

.

Good thinking ball. Sensing that the batsman might expect a short ball, Naseem goes for the yorker. But DP digs it out.

Dilruwan Perera has called for the physio. Not surprising. Just 8 minutes left in the day's play. The umpires get together in the meanwhile. The magic spray comes out now. The light is definitely fading.

58.4

.

OUCH! That has hurt. A length ball, around middle, Perera looks to tuck it to the leg side but the ball kicks off suddenly, takes the glove and shoots in the air. Babar Azam comes running in from third slip but the ball lands just in front.

58.3

.

Around off, solidly defended.

58.2

4

FOUR! Off the edge. But why isn't a third slip in place? Full and outside off, Dilruwan reaches out to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge, through the vacant third slip region to the third man fence.

58.1

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot.

57.6

.

Outside off, let through. Once again, a part-timer strikes for Pakistan.

57.5

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

57.4

1

Full and on middle, pushed through mid on for a single.

Dilruwan Perera walks in at number 8, replacing Dickwella.

57.3

W

OUT! BOWLED! Ahhh... you live by the sword and you die by it. The reverse sweep has been Dickwella's strength and that brings about his downfall as well. Full and outside off, Niroshan looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. The ball comes in with the angle, misses the bat and hits the leg stump! Just 27 balls left in the day, or 13 minutes left in the day's play and an entertaining 104-run stand has been broken. Really looks like Dickwella has got carried away. Rizwan was chirping behind the stumps for the last 30 minutes, saying 'ANNA HARI! ANNA HARI!' and even chuckling as Dickwella was responding to that. But sadly for the Lankan, the banter has resulted in his dismissal.

57.2

1

On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

57.1

.

Full and around middle, watchfully defended.

56.6

.

Landed outside off, coming in with the angle, Dickwella gets a big stride and shoulders arms.

56.5

1

Around off, tucked through mid-wicket for a couple.

56.4

2

OVERTHROW. Landed outside off, Oshada taps it towards cover and sets off for a quick single. Babar Azam gets across from gully and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Shan Masood from square leg dives to his right but misses. The second is taken as the ball goes to fine leg.

56.3

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

56.2

1

100-RUN STAND IS UP! Excellent fightback. Landed outside off, tapped through point for a single.

56.1

4

FOUR! Stand and deliver! A length ball outside off, Dickwella comes forward and just pushes this. No power. The ball races off the bat, well past mid off, to the fence!

Naseem Shah returns for one final burst. 9-3-19-2 so far.

55.6

.

An LBW shout, but plenty of doubt. Not out. Full and around leg stump, Fernando lunges to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. Sohail and Rizwan appeal but neither is too sure. Was that going down leg? Was that spinning in to hit the stumps? Did that pitch in line? Azhar Ali has a chat with Rizwan but seeing the latter shake his head, does not take the review.

55.5

.

Full and around middle, watchfully pushed towards the bowler.

55.4

1

On middle, pushed through mid on for a single. Moves to 60.

55.3

.

Landed outside off, pushed to the off side.

55.2

.

Around middle, worked towards short mid-wicket.

55.1

4

FOUR! Dickwella continues to be innovative. Full and around leg, Niroshan gets down and reverse sweeps it through the covers!

54.6

.

Around off, nicely blocked towards mid on.

54.5

.

Full and outside off, pushed away from his body towards cover.

54.4

.

Around off, just in the corridor of uncertainty, but solidly blocked out.

54.3

.

Down the leg side, Oshada looks to flick but misses.

54.2

.

Full and around off, defended solidly.

54.1

1

Landed outside off, steered through point for a single. The stand moves to 90.

53.6

1

Full and down the leg side, swept fine for a single.

53.5

.

The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.

53.4

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

53.3

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

53.2

.

Down the leg side, flick shot missed. Is hit on the pads.

53.1

.

Full and around middle, driven back to the bowler.

Haris Sohail time.

52.6

1

Down the leg side, nudged towards fine leg for a single.

52.5

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

52.4

.

Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.

52.3

.

Well outside off, left alone.

52.2

1

Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

52.1

3

HALF CENTURY FOR NIROSHAN DICKWELLA! What a terrific innings. Just when his team needed it. Gets there with a punch through the covers. Three runs taken.

51.6

1

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.

51.5

4

TOP EDGE, FOUR! Full and outside off, Dickwella looks to play the reverse sweep but there is extra bounce which induces a top edge. However, there is no slip in place and the ball goes towards the third man fence. Afridi tracks it down from backward point but cannot get there in time.

51.4

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a run.

51.3

.

Oohhh... tentative again. Landed outside off, Oshada looks to run it down to third man but then looks to withdraw his bat. Is late and gets beaten.

51.2

1

Full and around middle, flicked towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

51.1

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot again.

50.6

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot.

50.5

.

Full and straight, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

50.4

.

A length ball, around middle, angling down, Oshada misses his flick and is hit on the pads.

50.3

.

Ahhh... nervous 90s. A length ball outside off, Oshada looks to flay it through the line but misses. No feet movement.

50.2

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

50.1

.

A length ball outside off, Oshada gets across and defends.

49.6

.

The batsman failed to make contact and was hit low on the pads.

49.5

.

Tossed up outside off, watchfully defended.

49.4

.

Full on middle, driven back to the bowler.

49.3

.

How did that miss the leg stump? Almost a giveaway from Niroshan. Full and around leg stump, ND looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. The ball pitches and then turns, just missing the leg stump!

49.2

4

FOUR! GLORIOUS! Who needs singles? Full and around off, Dickwella leans and drives it through the covers!

The reverse sweep is being protected. Point is being pushed back to the fence. There is a short third man and a mid off. But no one in between. Singles for the taking.

49.1

1

Full on middle, worked through mid-wicket for a single. Oshada moves to 90 now.

48.6

.

Full and around off, well blocked out.

48.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

48.4

4

FOUR! Nicely played. On a length outside off, Dickwella punches this on the up through point and scores a boundary! The stand moves to 71. Niroshan moves to 40.

48.3

.

Full and around off, solidly defended.

A bit of a banter. Abbas comes charging in, (That's debatable) but Dickwella bails out at the last moment. Abbas is not happy and gives a mouthful to Dickwella. The latter is smiling and says that he got distracted. Something behind the sightscreen.

48.2

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

48.1

.

Around off, coming in, tucked towards short mid-wicket.

47.6

.

Short and outside off, dabbed to backward point.

47.5

.

Around off, nicely defended with an open bat-face towards short extra cover.

47.4

.

Full and around off, OF lunges and defends watchfully.

47.3

4

FOUR! Cheeky! Landed outside off, Oshada deftly opens the face of his bat at the last moment and guides it past slip towards third man!

47.2

1

Around middle, worked through square leg for a single.

47.1

4

FOUR! Aerial but wide. Full and outside off, Dickwella gets down in a flash and reverse sweeps it uppishly, wide of a diving backward point. Into the fence goes the ball. The stand is worth 62.

46.6

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

Mid-wicket comes in.

46.5

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Middled this quite well. He is slowly and surely approaching his maiden Test century. Full and around middle, Oshada flicks it through square leg.

46.4

.

Punched off the back foot by the batsman.

46.3

.

Full and around off, solidly blocked towards short extra cover.

46.2

.

Around off, tapped towards short mid-wicket.

46.1

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

Mohammad Abbas is back on. 7-1-19-1 so far.

45.6

1

Around middle and off, worked through square leg for a single.

45.5

1lb

A short ball, around off, spinning in, Dickwella looks to flick but the ball goes off his hips, between short leg and leg slip. A leg bye taken. 150 UP FOR SRI LANKA.

45.4

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

45.3

1

On middle and off, worked through mid-wicket for one.

45.2

1

Full and down the leg side, swept through square leg for a run.

45.1

2

Short and outside off, cut through the covers for a couple. 50-RUN STAND IS UP!

44.6

.

Full again on middle, Dickwella plays it to mid on.

44.5

1

Full delivery on off, Dickwella drives it through mid off for a run.

44.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Niroshan keeps it out.

44.3

4

FOUR! Third boundary in the over. On a good length on middle, Dickwella looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg for a boundary.

44.2

4

FOUR! Short delivery outside off, Dickwella looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes over the slip region towards third man for a boundary.

44.1

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Full delivery outside off, Dickwella drives it through point for a boundary.

Drinks Break!

43.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Oshada blocks it off the front foot.

43.5

.

Tossed up delivery on leg, Fernando looks to play a reverse sweep but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

43.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Oshada tucks it to mid-wicket.

43.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Dickwella comes down the track and drives it through mid on for a run.

43.2

2

Flighted delivery outside off, Dickwella plays a reverse sweep through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.

43.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Oshada flicks it towards square leg for a single.

42.6

.

Bowls it wide outside off, Niroshan shoulders arms to this one.

42.5

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Niroshan looks to defend but misses it.

42.4

1

On a length on off, Fernando looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.

42.3

.

Short delivery on leg, Fernando looks to pull but misses it.

42.2

4

FOUR! Off the edge. On a good length and outside off, Oshada looks to defend but the ball moves away and takes the outside edge. It goes past second slip towards third man for a boundary.

42.1

.

Around off, defended watchfully.

41.6

1

Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it through mid off. The batsmen take a run.

41.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Fernando looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It goes towards the off side.

41.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Oshada keeps it out.

41.3

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Oshada blocks it off the back foot.

41.2

.

Flighted delivery on leg, Oshada looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

41.1

.

DROPPED! Straight in, straight out. Full and around middle, Oshada plays the reverse sweep and it almost brings about his downfall. The ball takes the top edge and goes straight to backward point. However, Naseem Shah dives to his right and spills it.

40.6

1

On a length on middle, Fernando nudges it towards square leg for a single.

40.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Oshada defends it off the front foot.

40.4

.

On a good length on middle, Fernando looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

40.3

.

Good length delivery outside off, Fernando again looks to guide but misses it.

40.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it to mid on.

40.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Oshada looks to guide but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the keeper on one bounce.

39.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Niroshan blocks it off the front foot.

39.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dickwella keeps it out.

39.4

1

Floated delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

39.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Dickwella flicks it towards square leg for a run.

39.2

4

FOUR! Nice improvisation. Flighted delivery outside off, Dickwella plays a reverse sweep through point for a boundary.

39.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle and leg, Oshada flicks it towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.

38.6

.

Full delivery on off, Dickwella drives it back towards the bowler.

38.5

.

On a good length and outside off, Dickwella looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards gully.

38.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dickwella keeps it out.

38.3

.

Again outside off, Niroshan leaves it alone.

38.2

.

Outside off, Dickwella offers no shot to this one.

38.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dickwella looks to defend but misses it.

37.6

2

Flighted delivery on middle, Fernando sweeps it towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.

37.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Fernando comes down the track and defends it.

37.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Oshada defends it off the front foot.

37.3

1

Tossed up delivery outside off, Dickwella sweeps it towards fine leg for a single.

37.2

1

Full delivery on leg, Fernando flicks it through square leg for a run.

37.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Dickwella comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single.

36.6

.

Outside off, punched straight to cover.

36.5

2

Full on middle, flicked through square leg for a couple.

36.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

36.3

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

36.2

.

Around off, defended from the crease.

36.1

.

Full and outside off, Oshada dead-bats it.

Shaheen Afridi returns. 8-2-24-1 so far.

35.6

4

FOUR! Flighted delivery on middle, Niroshan sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.

35.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dickwella defends it off the front foot.

35.4

1

TOP EDGE BUT SAFE! Loopy delivery on middle, Fernando looks to sweep but gets a top edge. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends.

35.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Fernando blocks it off the back foot.

35.2

4

FOUR! Nicely swept! Floated delivery on middle and leg, Oshada sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. 100 up for Sri Lanka.

35.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

34.6

.

Full toss and outside off, Niroshan calmly leaves it alone.

34.5

.

Length delivery outside off, Dickwella pushes it towards point.

34.4

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Niroshan looks to go after it but misses it.

34.3

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Dickwella looks to play away from the body but misses it.

The hammer comes out again. And some sawdust. Naseem is not happy with his landing.

34.2

.

Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Dickwella looks to play the upper cut but decides against it. It goes safely towards the keeper.

34.1

1

Full delivery outside off, Fernando drives it through point for a single.

33.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Dickwella flicks it to mid-wicket.

33.5

.

Tossed up on off, Niroshan drives it back towards the bowler.

33.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Dickwella flicks it towards the leg side.

33.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Niroshan comes down the track and defends it.

33.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Dickwella sweeps it towards square leg where the fielder does well to stop it.

33.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Dickwella defends it off the front foot.

32.6

.

Length delivery outside off, Fernando taps it to point.

32.5

.

On a good length on off, Oshada blocks it well.

32.4

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Fernando looks to drive but misses it.

32.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the back foot.

32.2

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Oshada looks to cut but misses it.

32.1

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Fernando sways away from it.

31.6

.

Tossed up outside off, spinning in viciously, watchfully defended.

Niroshan Dickwella comes in at number 7, replacing Dhananjaya.

31.5

W

OUT! BOWLED! Pakistan are just 5 wickets away from winning the series. Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya looks to play for the turn but gets an inside edge and gets bowled. It was a straighter one from Yasir Shah. The visitors have lost half their side back to the hut.

31.4

.

Bowls a googly outside off, Dhananjaya offers no shot to this one.

31.3

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya punches it to point.

31.2

1

Floated delivery on middle, Fernando plays a slog sweep through mid-wicket for a run.

31.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Fernando guides it towards first slip where it goes to the fielder on one bounce.

30.6

.

Around off, defended from the crease to the off side.

30.5

.

EDGED, SHORT! Almost another. Full and outside off, Dhananjaya looks to just hang his bat, not sure whether to play or leave. The indecision forces an outside edge and it goes straight to the keeper behind. Rizwan dives to his right but does not claim it. Replays show that the ball bounced in front.

30.4

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

30.3

.

Around off, solidly blocked out.

30.2

.

A lovely ball. Targets the yorker, but it ends up being a low full toss. Pushed towards mid on.

Dhananjaya de Silva walks in at number 6, replacing Chandimal. Square leg goes out. De Silva was dismissed off the short ball in the first innings.

30.1

W

OUT! LBW! The decision is overturned! Superb review from Azhar Ali. We all heard two sounds but he was confident there was no inside edge. A length ball around off, sheer pace, Chandimal comes half forward to defend but misses and is hit on the pads, totally beaten by pace. Naseem appeals vociferously but umpire Wilson shakes his head and indicates inside edge. The appeal dies down but Azhar Ali charges in from mid off and asks his keeper just one thing. 'PITCHED IN LINE? PITCHED IN LINE?' Yes, says Rizwan. Immediately the signal comes up for the 'T'. Ultra Edge shows that there is no inside edge and the two sounds came because of the ball hitting both pads. Ball Tracker comes into play and shows the ball to be crashing into the stumps. Second wicket for Naseem.

Massive LBW shout! Not given. Pakistan take the review. Inside edge? Doesn't seem so from the replay. Ultra Edge confirms. Here comes Ball Tracker. Three reds and Chandimal is gone!

29.6

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Fernando pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

29.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Oshada blocks it well.

29.4

.

Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it to covers.

29.3

.

Flighted delivery on off, Oshada defends it out.

29.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Oshada blocks it off the front foot.

29.1

.

Outside off, Fernando shoulders arms to this one.

There is a slight delay. Russel Arnold informs that there is some repair work being done to the technology.

28.6

.

Full and around off, darting in off the seam, DC misses his flick and is hit on the pads. An appeal ensues from the slip cordon but it seemed to be going down the leg side.

28.5

.

Full and around middle, pushed towards mid on.

28.4

.

Landed outside off, shouldered arms to.

28.3

.

A bouncer, around off, Dinesh ducks.

28.2

1

On middle, worked through square leg for a single.

28.1

.

NOT OUT. Massive inside edge. How did the umpire miss that? A length ball outside off, skids through after pitching. Oshada is caught in his crease as he looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. Naseem appeals and the umpire obliges. But Fernando does not even have to look at his partner. He straightaway asks for the review and the first replay itself indicates bat. Ultra Edge then detects a spike.

Huge shout for LBW and given! Oshada Fernando has straightaway indicated for the review. The first replay itself indicates an inside edge. Ultra Edge confirms.

27.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

27.5

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Fernando sweeps it through square leg for a run.

27.4

2

50 for Oshada Fernando. It has been a solid innngs from him till now. It is his second Test fifty. Tossed up delivery on off, Fernando drives it uppishly through point. The batsmen get two runs.

27.3

2

Floated delivery on middle, Oshada sweeps it towards fine leg. The fielder in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

27.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Oshada defends it off the back foot.

27.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

Yasir Shah to bowl from the other end. 6-1-22-0 so far.

26.6

.

Outside off, Chandimal offers no shot to this one.

26.5

.

On a good length on off, Dinesh defends it off the back foot.

26.4

.

Outside off, Chandimal offers no shot to this one.

26.3

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Chandimal looks to slash hard but misses it.

26.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Dinesh keeps it out.

26.1

.

On a good length on off, Chandimal defends it off the back foot.

We are back for the final session of Day 4. This could also be the final one of the match. The Pakistan players are out in the middle. Oshada Fernando and Dinesh Chandimal will resume their innings. Naseem Shah will start the proceedings for the hosts for the final session.

... Day 4, Session 3 ...

Sri Lanka can blame themselves for being in this state. The pitch has got nothing to do with the wickets and it has all been in the batsmen's mind. They will aim to battle it out in a better fashion post Tea. Aim for a wicketless hour and then, if possible, a wicketless session as well. 37 overs left in the day, so a long passage awaits. Join us back at 3 pm local (1000 GMT).

86/3 in 26 overs in this session. Pakistan have accelerated themselves into a winning position. They are 7 wickets away from a Test and series win and with 4 sessions to go, they will back themselves to do it.

25.6

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Flighted delivery outside off, Fernando drives it through covers for a boundary. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!

25.5

.

Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it to covers.

25.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Oshada defends it out.

25.3

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

25.2

1

Floated outside off, driven past cover for a single.

25.1

.

Tossed up around middle, defended in front of short leg.

24.6

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Oshada looks to flick but misses it.

24.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Chandimal drives it through mid on for a single.

24.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Chandimal offers a back foot defense on this one.

24.3

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dinesh defends it off the front foot.

24.2

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Chandimal looks to flick but misses it.

24.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Oshada sweeps it towards square leg for a run.

Haris Sohail is into the attack.

23.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Dinesh blocks it off the front foot.

23.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dinesh defends it off the back foot.

23.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal defends it off the back foot.

23.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, Dinesh plays it to point.

23.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Dinesh blocks it off the back foot.

23.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to covers.

22.6

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Fernando looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

22.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Oshada drives it towards mid on.

22.4

.

On a length on middle, Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket.

22.3

.

On a good length on off, Oshada defends it off the back foot.

22.2

.

Again outside off, Fernando does not bother to play at that.

22.1

.

Outside off, Fernando lets it go.

21.6

.

Full delivery on off, Dinesh drives it to mid off.

21.5

.

Outside off, Dinesh leaves it alone.

21.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Chandimal blocks it off the back foot.

21.3

1

Full delivery on off, Oshada drives it through mid off for a run.

21.2

4

FOUR! Tossed up delivery on middle, Fernando looks to sweep but gets a top edge. It goes towards fine leg for a boundary.

21.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the back foot.

20.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dinesh blocks it off the back foot.

20.5

.

On a good length on off, Chandimal defends it out.

Dinesh Chandimal is the next batsman in.

20.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! The ball has carried and Mathews has to depart. This is a beautiful delivery. On a good length and outside off, Mathews looks to defend but then the ball straightens a touch. Because of that, he is squared up and gets an outside edge. It goes towards the keeper where Mohammad Rizwan dives forward, moves to his right and takes a good catch. It is referred upstairs and the replays show that he took it just inches above the ground. Mathews is on his way.

An appeal for caught behind! It is referred upstairs. Looks like a clean catch and soft signal is out.

20.3

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Mathews digs it out towards mid on.

20.2

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Mathews looks to drive but misses it.

20.1

.

Bowls a yorker on off, Mathews does well to dig it out and plays it towards covers.

19.6

.

Outside off, Oshada shoulders arms to this one.

19.5

1

Floated delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

19.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Angelo drives it to mid on.

19.3

1

Full delivery on off, Oshada drives it through covers. The batsmen take a run.

19.2

1

Flighted delivery on off, Mathews drives it towards mid off for a run.

19.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Mathews plays it to point.

18.6

.

Full again on off, Fernando drives it to mid off.

18.5

.

Full delivery on off, Oshada drives it to mid off.

18.4

.

On a good length on off, Fernando defends it out.

18.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Fernando blocks it well.

18.2

.

Outside off, Fernando does not bother to play at that.

18.1

.

On a good length on off, Oshada defends it off the back foot.

17.6

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Oshada flicks it towards square leg for a single.

17.5

1

Loopy delivery on off, Angelo plays it towards point. The batsmen take a run.

17.4

1

Flighted delivery on off, Mathews guides it towards third man for a single.

17.3

1

Floated delivery on off, Mathews punches it through point for a run.

17.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off the back foot.

17.1

.

Turn and bounce on this one. Tossed up delivery on middle, Mathews defends it out.

16.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Angelo drives it through mid on. The batsmen cross ends.

16.5

2

Length delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

16.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot.

16.3

.

Outside off, Angelo offers no shot to this one.

16.2

.

On a good length on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the slip region where the fielder does well to stop it.

16.1

1

Length delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single.

15.6

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.

15.5

.

Full again, watchfully defended.

15.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

15.3

4

FOUR! Bad ball. Full and down the leg side, Fernando paddles this through fine leg.

15.2

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

15.1

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

Yasir Shah into the attack.

14.6

4

FOUR! Nice shot. On a length outside off, Mathews punches this through the covers. The ball races away.

14.5

1

Full and outside off, Oshada punches it through point where Shan Masood dives to his right to stop the ball. A single taken.

14.4

.

A bouncer, around off, swayed away from the line. Smell the coffee, says Naseem.

14.3

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

14.2

.

This is just outside off, watchfully tapped towards point.

14.1

1lb

A length ball, but a bit too straight. Tucked towards fine leg for a single. Leg bye signalled.

13.6

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

13.5

.

Full and straight, worked straight to short mid-wicket.

13.4

.

Outside off, played straight to point.

13.3

1

On middle and leg, flicked through square leg for a single.

13.2

.

Outside off, fractionally short, Mathews looks to cut but gets a bottom edge towards the off side.

13.1

.

Around off, defended from the crease.

DRINKS BREAK. An exciting hour of play. Who said wickets cannot be taken on this deck? Pakistan have certainly proved they have better bowlers than Sri Lanka. But the Lankans' lack of technique has exposed them badly. Their aim would be to take it hour by hour. They have lost the first. Can they win the second by not losing any more wicket till Tea?

12.6

1

Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

12.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

12.4

.

Full and outside off, solidly defended.

12.3

.

A bouncer on middle, Angelo ducks.

12.2

2

Full and around off, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.

12.1

.

A length ball around off, solidly defended.

11.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Fernando keeps it out.

11.5

.

On a good length on off, Oshada defends it off the front foot.

11.4

.

Good length delivery outside off, Oshada taps it to covers.

11.3

.

On a good length on off, Fernando plays it to point.

11.2

1

On middle, pushed through mid on for a single.

11.1

.

Ooohh... another edge. Does not carry. This is an exciting passage of play. A length ball outside off, moving away, Mathews looks to defend but the ball moves away, takes the outside edge and lands short of gully.

10.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Mathews drives it through mid on for a run.

10.5

2

NOT OUT! On a good length on middle, Mathews plays it towards point and takes off for a quick single. The fielder picks the ball and fires a throw at the keeper's end which ricochets and goes towards mid-wicket as overthrows. It is referred upstairs. The replays show that the batsman was well in. The batsmen also take an extra run.

Direct hit! Looks to be safe though. Still, referred upstairs. Oshada is the man in potential danger. Here comes the replay. The bat is grounded when the ball hits the stumps.

10.4

.

On a good length on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot.

Angelo Mathews comes in at number 4, replacing Mendis.

10.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Now Naseem Shah strikes and gets the second wicket for the hosts. Mendis flops again. On a good length and outside off, Mendis looks to drive but again, no footwork on offer. The ball moves away and takes the outside edge. It goes towards third slip where Babar Azam takes a simple catch.

10.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Mendis keeps it out.

10.1

1

On a good length on off, Fernando defends it towards the off side and takes a quick single. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it.

9.6

.

A length ball outside off, coming in, Mendis looks to defend but the ball comes in a long way and hits him on the pads. Abbas thinks about appealing but then bails out. Looked to be high.

9.5

.

Full and around off, coming in, watchfully defended.

Kusal Mendis comes in at number 3, replacing his skipper.

9.4

W

OUT! Edged and taken! There goes the first. Sri Lanka took more than 68 overs to take their first wicket in the third innings. Pakistan have taken less than 68 balls - 58 to be precise. Loose from the captain. Nothing special about the delivery and a pretty ordinary shot in reply. Pitched outside off, just straightening a touch, Karunaratne is stuck in the crease as he plays a loose waft. Does so well away from his body and gets a thick outside edge. The edge threatens to go between the keeper and first slip but Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left and takes a stunner. In the last 5-10 minutes, it did seem like a wicket was around the corner. And Karunaratne has struck for Pakistan. Yes. Karunaratne. He alone is responsible for his dismissal.

9.3

4

EDGED, FOUR! Ahhh... hands on heads. A length ball outside off, Karunaratne pushes at it away from his body and gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes past a diving gully fielder to the third man fence.

9.2

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

9.1

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

8.6

2

Full delivery on middle, Oshada flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

8.5

1

On a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single.

8.4

2

Full delivery outside off, Dimuth drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

8.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Dimuth blocks it off the front foot.

8.2

1lb

Full delivery on leg, Fernando looks to flick but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Pakistan think of a review but decide against it. Ball Tracker shows that it is umpire's call and it is clipping the leg stump.

8.1

.

Naseem bowls it down the leg side, Fernando looks to flick but misses it.

Naseem Shah is into the attack. Looks like there is some issue straightaway. Naseem is not happy with something around the landing area. And yes, the umpire has called for the hammer. This is a joke. Naseem is not happy with what the groundstaff is doing. So, he himself takes the hammer and starts hammering! Umpire Joel Wilson has a laugh. Now, Naseem comes running in, tries his runup and is happy. We are set to resume now.

7.6

.

Outside off, Karunaratne lets it go.

7.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Karunaratne blocks it off the back foot.

7.4

.

On a good length on off, Dimuth defends it off the front foot.

7.3

.

Length delivery on off, Karunaratne taps it to point.

7.2

2

On a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

7.1

.

Outside off, the skipper shoulders arms to this one.

6.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the back foot.

6.5

.

On a good length on off, Oshada defends it to covers.

6.4

2

Short delivery outside off, Fernando pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

6.3

.

Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it towards mid off.

6.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the back foot.

6.1

.

Outside off, Oshada offers no shot to this one.

5.6

3

Full delivery on middle, Oshada flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

5.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it back towards the bowler.

5.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Oshada defends it off the front foot.

5.3

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Fernando looks to go after it but misses it.

5.2

1

Length delivery on middle, Dimuth flicks it through square leg for a single.

5.1

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Karunaratne looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

4.6

.

Outside off, Oshada does not bother to play at that.

4.5

.

Full delivery on off, Oshada drives it to mid off.

4.4

.

On a good length on off, Oshada keeps it out.

4.3

4

FOUR! Hammered away! Short delivery on leg, Fernando pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.2

.

Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it to mid off.

4.1

.

On a good length and just outside off, Fernando offers no shot to this one.

3.6

.

Outside off, Dimuth lets it go.

3.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Karunaratne blocks it off the back foot.

3.4

.

Outside off, Dimuth leaves it alone.

3.3

.

Length delivery on off, Karunaratne punches it to point.

3.2

.

On a good length on middle, Dimuth offers a back foot defense on this one.

3.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot.

2.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

2.5

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Oshada looks to defend but misses it.

2.4

4

FOUR! Another boundary. Full delivery outside off, Fernando looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

2.3

4

FOUR! Good shot. Full delivery on middle, Fernando flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

2.2

.

Outside off, Oshada shoulders arms to this one.

2.1

.

Full delivery on off, Fernando drives it to mid off.

1.6

.

Around middle, worked towards square leg.

1.5

1

Down the leg side, flicked away again for a single.

1.4

2

Full and straight, flicked towards fine leg for a couple.

1.3

.

Full and around off, comes back in a long way, Oshada looks to defend but the ball misses the bat and hits the pads. There is a mild appeal but perhaps there was an inside edge.

1.2

.

Full and outside off, watchfully defended.

1.1

.

Landed outside off, a touch wide, left alone.

Mohammad Abbas to bowl from the other end. Got a 4-fer in the first innings.

0.6

2

Off the mark, is Dimuth. Full and around middle, DK looks to flick but the ball goes off the inner half, past short leg. A couple taken to square leg. Two runs taken.

0.5

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

0.4

.

Landed outside off, Dimuth pushes inside the line but the ball straightens to beat the outside edge.

0.3

.

Yorker outside off, well dug out.

0.2

.

Down the leg side, pretty full, Karunaratne misses his flick. Rizwan does well to dive to his right to stop.

0.1

.

Full and outside off, watchfully defended.

The players are out in the middle. Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando to open for the Lankans. Shaheen Afridi to start off proceedings to the skipper. Here we go.

Well, here comes the breaking news. PAKISTAN HAVE DECLARED during the Lunch break. Bizarre, very bizarre. One understands that the bowlers need time to take wickets but declaring during a break is very strange. Normally, captains declare minutes to go into the break, or having played for a while after the break. This is normally done so that the openers do not get time to make themselves ready. Azhar Ali is a kind guy. So Sri Lanka need 476 to win or hang around for 153 overs.

50 overs for Lasith Embuldeniya. He has toiled. But without much purpose. There is no zip off the surface but he has barely been consistent with his line or length. Lahiru Kumara has been the only bowler who has bowled decently while the rest have just 'put it there'. They will hope to get to bat soon. Join us back at 12.40 pm local (0740 GMT) to see what happens.

On a pitch which is as flat as a highway, nothing less than a century can be expected and Pakistan batsmen did not disappoint. Azhar Ali and Babar Azam continued from where they left off, almost managing a wicketless session before the need to up the ante got Azhar Ali to throw his wicket away. Mentioning about the lead is almost redundant - a paltry 475. Runs are not important at this stage and Pakistan will only be looking to bat for time. Perhaps a declaration an hour after Lunch.

160/1 in 27 overs. What a session for Pakistan. Sri Lanka would be relieved with the break. It has been a continuous pummelling and if they are not morally down by now, they will be soon. Clearly, they are waiting for the declaration.

130.6

1

A short ball, around off, pulled through square leg for a single. LUNCH ON DAY 4, PAKISTAN LEAD BY 475!

130.5

4

FOUR! GLORIOUS! Full and outside off, Rizwan leans and drives this through the covers! 50-run stand is up as well.

130.4

.

Full and outside off, driven back to the bowler.

130.3

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

130.2

1

CENTURY FOR BABAR AZAM! His fourth in Tests third in the last 6 innings. Landed outside off, Babar pushes this through point, looks up at his partner and they take a quick single. There is a direct hit at the bowler's end but Azam is well in. It is not even referred upstairs. Let the celebrations begin! This is just the second time that the top four batsmen have scored centuries in the same inning.

130.1

1

Around off, this one kicks off sharply, Rizwan looks to fend it away and his bottom hand comes off the bat. The ball flies towards square leg. A single taken.

129.6

.

Full and down the leg side, Babar comes down the track and looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads.

129.5

1

Full and outside off, eased through the covers for a run.

129.4

1

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.

129.3

2

Short and outside off, cut through point for a couple.

129.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

129.1

1

Full and outside off, Rizwan comes down the track and drives it through mid off for a single.

128.6

.

Down the leg side, Babar misses his tickle. The ball probably misses everything but Dickwella dives to his left to stop.

128.5

.

Full and outside off, watchfully defended.

128.4

1

Outside off, played through point for a run.

128.3

1

A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.

128.2

.

A bouncer, around middle, Azam ducks.

128.1

1

Around off, tapped towards cover for a single.

127.6

2

Full and around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple.

127.5

1

Full and down the leg side, swept through mid-wicket for a run.

127.4

1

Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.

127.3

.

The arm ball, around off, pushed to the off side.

127.2

.

Full and around off, Azam defends watchfully.

127.1

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot to the off side.

126.6

1

Defended off the back foot by the batsman. One run added to the total.

126.5

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

126.4

4

FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries! A short ball and outside off, Babar pulls it to the mid-wicket fence.

126.3

4

FOUR! INSIDE EDGE, MISSES THE STUMPS! Rash from Babar. It is understandable that the team has given him the target to get to a century before Lunch. But surely a declaration is not around the corner? They are going to declare only after Lunch, correct? Then why such rashness? A short ball, outside off, Babar looks to pull but the ball comes in sharply, takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps to the fine leg fence.

126.2

4

FOUR! TAKE THAT! A short ball outside off, Babar backs away and smashes it wide of mid off for a boundary!

126.1

2

Down the leg side, tickled through square leg for a couple.

Lahiru Kumara into the attack again. 26-5-114-2 so far.

125.6

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.

125.5

2

The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and connects. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.

125.4

2

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a couple.

125.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

125.2

1

Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.

125.1

1

Around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

124.6

4

FOUR! SPANKED! Full and down the leg side, Rizwan gets down and sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary! Moves to 71.

124.5

1

A short ball, around middle, pulled away for one more.

124.4

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

124.3

1

Full and down the leg side, swept through fine leg for a run.

124.2

1

The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. They pick up a single.

124.1

1

Full and around middle, driven down the ground for a single.

123.6

1

Outside off, punched through the covers for a run.

123.5

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

123.4

2

Full and outside off, Rizwan comes down the track and lofts it over cover for a couple.

123.3

.

Full and outside off, Rizwan looks to steer it to third man but gets a bottom edge.

123.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Mohammad Rizwan comes in at number 5, replacing his skipper. A promotion.

123.1

W

OUT! Press workers, where are you? Stop working. Because a wicket has fallen. Flighted outside off, Azhar comes down the track and looks to go big. But he misses the ball completely. Dickwella gathers and then affects the stumping, appealing as well. Initially, Azhar does not walk. But as soon as the square leg umpire refers it upstairs, he starts walking off. Here come the replays. Ali has not even tried to get his bat down. He has aimed to get in by virtue of his palm but by then it is too late. Easy decision for the third umpire.

STUMPED? Referred upstairs. Here comes the replay. Gone by a mile! Because he has not come back at all!

122.6

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

122.5

4

FOUR! Off the outside edge! Full and outside off, Babar comes down the track and swings hard, only to get a thick outside edge. No slip in place and the ball races through the third man fence.

122.4

6

SIX! SMOKED! Full and around middle, Babar gets down and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket!

122.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

122.2

1

Full and on middle, Azhar gets down and reverse sweeps it through point for a single.

122.1

4

FOUR! Aggression! Full on middle, Azhar comes down the track and swings it wide of long on for a boundary!

121.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

121.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

121.4

1

Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.

121.3

4

FOUR! BETWEEN HIS LEGS! Full and around middle, Azhar looks to paddle but the ball takes the inside edge, goes between his legs and goes to the fine leg fence!

121.2

.

'AIYYO!' Dickwella gets excited. Full and around middle, Azhar looks to sweep but the ball takes the inside edge and hits him onto the pads. The ball then rolls back but just misses the stumps!

121.1

1

Around middle, flicked through square leg for a single.

120.6

1

Around off, watchfully tapped to the off side for a quick run.

120.5

1

Around middle, tucked through mid-wicket for a run.

120.4

.

'AARGH!' Ali screams. Full and outside off, Azhar reverse sweeps this with all his might but finds short third man.

120.3

1

LEAD IS NOW 400! Full and outside off, Babar comes down the track and drives it through mid off for a run.

120.2

1

Around middle, turned through mid-wicket for a single.

120.1

.

Full and around off, Azhar reverse sweeps this forcefully towards short third man.

119.6

.

Around middle, pushed towards mid on.

119.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

119.4

.

Full and around middle, watchfully defended.

119.3

3

Sri Lanka getting clumsier and clumsier. Full and around middle, Azhar gently reverse paddles it through backward point. Dilruwan Perera dives to his left but dives over the ball. It does slow down though and he only has to get up and run all the way to the point boundary to retrieve it. Three runs taken.

119.2

1

Down the leg side, flicked through square leg for a single.

119.1

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

Vishal - The Lazy Genius - 'What sort of a pitch is this? The first two days see run-scoring very difficult. The next two days see wicket-taking very difficult. How has this happened?'

118.6

1

Full and outside off, eased through the covers for another single.

118.5

1

Around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one more.

118.4

1

Full and around middle, tickled through mid-wicket for a run.

118.3

.

Full and around middle, watchfully defended.

118.2

1

Comes down the track again and eases it through the covers for a single.

118.1

.

Full and around middle, Azhar comes down the track and drives it straight back to the bowler.

Dilruwan Perera to come on to bowl now. 17-1-63-0 so far. Might keep on bowling the whole day.

DRINKS BREAK. 75/0 in 14 overs this morning. Without actually attacking. Neither are Sri Lanka looking to attack. Looks like they have given up thoughts of forget a win, even trying to attempt a win on this deck. No bowler apart from Kumara looks like having an urge to take a wicket.

117.6

.

Around off, pushed with an open face to the off side.

117.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

117.4

2

Full and outside off, Azam gets down and mows a slog through mid-wicket for a couple.

117.3

1

Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.

117.2

2

CENTURY FOR AZHAR ALI! It has come after a year. 13 innings without even a fifty. Highest score being 39 at the 'Gabba this year during this period. A much-needed one for him. Reaches there with a gentle push through the covers.

117.1

1

Short and outside off, cut through the covers for a single. The stand is worth 110 now.

116.6

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

116.5

.

No hat-trick. Left alone this time.

116.4

4

FOUR! Action replay of the previous delivery! Vishwa Fernando cannot believe it. Length ball outside off, a carbon copy of the last ball, angling away, Ali once again guides it past second slip!

116.3

4

FOUR! Excellent batting! Landed outside off, angling away, Azhar waits for the ball to come to him and guides it past second slip to the third man fence!

116.2

4

FOUR! GORGEOUS! That is a drive but the ball is not even a half volley. It is on a length, around off, but Ali comes forward and drives it back past the bowler through mid on! Moves into the 90s now and the STAND MOVES TO 101!

116.1

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

115.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

115.5

2

Comes down the track, takes the ball on the full and drives it back past the bowler for a couple.

115.4

.

Huge shout for LBW but turned down. Impact outside off. The arm ball outside off, skidding in after pitching, Babar looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads.

115.3

.

Full and around off, Babar comes down the track and flicks it straight to Dimuth Karunaratne at short mid-wicket.

115.2

4

FOUR! Full and around middle, Babar reaches and gently paddles it to the fine leg fence.

115.1

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

114.6

.

Full and outside off, watchfully defended.

114.5

.

Landed outside off, angling away, left alone.

114.4

4

FOUR! Nicely played. Pretty much similar to the previous shot. But this is played in front of backward point.

114.3

.

Landed outside off, steered towards backward point.

114.2

.

Full and around off, defended solidly.

114.1

2

Landed outside off, Azhar steers it through point for a couple.

113.6

.

The batsman fails to get bat on that one and is hit on the pad.

113.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

113.4

.

Full and around off, Babar lunges away from his body and steers it towards third man.

113.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

113.2

1

Outside off, eased through the covers for a single.

113.1

.

Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.

112.6

1

ANOTHER MISFIELD. A length ball outside off, Azhar pushes it towards third man. Gully dives to his right and parries it to mid off. A single taken.

112.5

1

Outside off, played through point for one more.

112.4

1

Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.

112.3

.

Full and around off, Ali looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

112.2

.

Full and around middle, pushed towards short mid-wicket.

112.1

.

OUCH! That has come out of nowhere. A short ball, around middle, Azhar looks to sway away from the line but the ball suddenly kicks up and hits him on the ribs. Ali immediately throws his bat away and goes down on his haunches in pain.

Vishwa Fernando to bowl for the first time this morning. 21-2-84-0 so far. Sri Lanka need some spark. Pakistan have scored 41/0 in 8 overs so far today.

111.6

1

But the line is outside off and the length is short. What is the use of that fielding change? Spinning away, punched through the covers for another single.

Leg slip is now moved to short fine leg.

111.5

1

Full and around off, Babar gets down and paddles it through fine leg for another single. The stand is now worth 80.

111.4

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for one more.

111.3

1

Around off, watchfully pushed towards cover for a run.

111.2

1

TOP EDGE, SAFE! Full and outside off, Ali looks to sweep but gets a top edge. However, the ball lands safely near deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep is not sure whether the ball will spin in or away, so waits, then has to run after the ball spins away. But no extra damage. Just a single.

111.1

.

Landed outside off, Azhar walks across, then walks back. Lets it go.

110.6

.

Ahhh... flashy. Short and outside off, BA slashes hard but is beaten due to the extra bounce. Thought we heard a nick there...

110.5

.

Another bouncer, ducked under comfortably.

110.4

.

A sharp bouncer, around middle, Babar ducks well in time. One bouncer for the over signalled.

110.3

1

Landed outside off, angling away, Azhar dabs it towards third man, albeit away from his body, for a run.

110.2

1

Played to the point region by the batsman. One run added to the total. THE LEAD IS NOW 350.

110.1

.

A length ball, around off, tucked to the leg side.

109.6

1

Good running. Azam just taps it towards point and the batsmen take a quick single.

109.5

.

Full and around off, watchfully pressed towards cover.

109.4

1

Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total.

109.3

.

Full and around off, watchfully kept out.

109.2

.

Around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

109.1

1

Full and outside off, Babar comes down the track and drives it through mid off but Angelo Mathews dives to his left and parries it to cover. A single taken.

108.6

4

FOUR! Very nicely played. Full and outside off, extra bounce but Ali adjusts well. Watches it till the last moment and then, opens the face of his bat to guide it past second slip to the third man fence. An eventful over.

108.5

1

Around off, on a length, tucked through mid-wicket for a single.

108.4

4

FOUR RUNNING RUNS! Good effort but in vain. Outside off, Azam drives it through the covers. Oshada Fernando gives it a good chase from sweeper, gets to the ball and dives, pushing the ball away. But sadly for him, there is no one backing up. He only has to get up and pick the ball, which has gone about 15 feet away from him. The batsmen take the fourth during that time.

108.3

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

108.2

.

NOT OUT. INSIDE EDGE. How come Babar did not know that? Bizarre. Very bizarre. Full and outside off, Azam looks to flick across the line but misses it completely. He is hit on the pads and Kumara appeals. Umpire Joel Wilson raises his finger and Babar straightaway looks at Azhar. He is not sure whether it is angling down and the skipper comes down for a chat. After a long discussion, Babar signals for the review. To the naked eye, it seems like missing leg, on the replays. But hang on - Ultra Edge detects an inside edge! Strange, very strange from Azam. Anyway, good that he reviewed.

Babar Azam has been adjudged LBW! The umpire took a long time to raise his finger but Babar equally took a long time to take the review. Is it going down leg? This is bizarre. Ultra Edge detects an inside edge! Didn't Babar feel the edge? Decision overturned.

108.1

1

A short ball, around off, angling in, Azhar hops across and tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

107.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

107.5

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

107.4

.

Outside off, pushed back to the bowler.

107.3

.

Full again, Babar lunges and defends.

107.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

107.1

.

Full and outside off, driven straight back to the bowler.

106.6

.

A sharp bouncer, outside off, coming in sharply, Azhar sways away just in time.

106.5

4

MISFIELD, FOUR! Dinesh Chandimal is the man. But he is a touch unlucky. Full on middle, Azhar works it wide of mid on. Chandimal gives it a good chase and even gets to the ball. Slides, puts in a slide, parries the ball back in with his left hand but it hits his right hand and goes back into the fence.

106.4

.

Around off, solidly defended.

106.3

.

Huge shout for LBW, but there is wood involved. Full and outside off, Azhar looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. Inside edge is the reason.

106.2

1

Around off, tapped across for a quick single.

106.1

4

FOUR! Well bowled and well played. Full and around off, swinging in a long way. Right on cue. But Babar is ready. Watches the ball closely, gets in line and flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket. The lead is now 331. Babar moves to 32.

105.6

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

105.5

1

Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single.

105.4

1

Outside off, eased through cover-point for a single.

105.3

.

Outside off, pushed towards cover.

105.2

4

FOUR! Full and around off, Azhar gets across to paddle almost a month in advance. Even first slip has enough time to pre-meditate and gets across to leg slip. But still, the ball eludes him to the fine leg fence. 50-RUN STAND IS UP AS WELL.

105.1

1

Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single.

Lasith Embuldeniya to share the attack with Kumara this morning.

104.6

3

Fine shot. On a length outside off, BA gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers. Three runs taken to bring up PAKISTAN'S 400.

104.5

.

Full and outside off, pushed towards cover.

104.4

1

Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a run.

104.3

1

Much better. Bowls this fuller and the result is a bit of inswing. But Azam is upto it and works it wide of mid on for a single.

104.2

.

This is shorter and wider outside off, easy leave for Babar. Not the perfect start from Kumara. Looks like he is still warming up.

104.1

.

Full and outside off, a touch wide, left alone.

The players are on the field. The Lankans get into a huddle, outside the boundary. Babar Azam and Azhar Ali are ready to resume from their previous night's score. Lahiru Kumara to start off proceedings, to Babar, with two slips in place. Here we go...

Sri Lanka's bowling coach, Rumesh Ratnayake, is having a chat with Roshan Abeysinghe. Admits that from here on, Sri Lanka only need to focus on delaying Pakistan's run-plan. Agrees that the bowlers erred on Saturday but does not want to take anything away from the Pakistan batters. Stresses that apart from Lahiru Kumara, no one bowled consistent lines and lengths. Hopes that the other bowlers take some learnings from Kumara's effort and do well this morning. Is amazed with Lahiru's consistent pace and even more, his fitness.

The reason for the previous paragraph is that nothing happened on Saturday. NOTHING. The ball did not swing, neither did it seam, nor did it turn. The track looked as flat as a pancake and Pakistan made merry. Given that they scored at a brisk rate, they have got themselves in a position from where they cannot lose. Or should not. However, if the maintenance is on track of this highway, you cannot rule out a draw. Day 4 is usually where the pitches start to turn in Asia. Let's see.

Day 1. Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! Day 2. Bang, bang, bang. Day 3. Snoreeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. That is how this Test match has been unfolding. Looking at the first two days, one felt that this game will not last beyond the third day. But looking at Pakistan's resurgence, it seems like the clock will tick past 5 pm on Monday, but we might still not get a result. Can Day 4 prove us wrong? Hello and a warm welcome to the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Karachi.

... DAY 4 ...

What's on the card for the fourth day of this Test then? How long will Pakistan bat? Will Azhar Ali and Babar Azam get to their tons and take Pakistan towards massive lead? Or on a fresh morning, will the Lankans make a comeback with quick strikes? So many questions to be answered. Well, to get to know these answers, join us on Sunday, 22nd December. The play will begin at 1000 local (0500 GMT). Till then, goodbye and take care.

What about the Lankan bowling? Well, they got absolutely nothing from the surface and kept toiling hard. The pacers came charging in and the spinners, Embuldeniya and Perera too bowled well without any success. Lahiru Kumara was their only bowler who managed to pick a couple of scalps but they came quite late as the first session for them went wicketless. Lahiru removed Shan first in the last over before Tea and then struck again to remove Abid Ali in the final session.

What an unbelievable day of Test cricket for Pakistan! They have taken their lead to 315. Their two overnight batters, Shan Masood and Abid Ali raked up their brilliant respective Test tons to take Pakistan to a commanding position. They kept tiring the Lankan bowlers and milked runs with ease. Once the stand was broken, skipper Azhar joined Abid out in the middle and added 77 runs before Abid became the second victim of Kumara. Sri Lanka's misery was far from ending as Babar Azam joined the skipper and added unbeaten 40 runs between them. Azhar is unbeaten on 57 while Babar has looked solid for his 22.

103.6

.

Loopy ball on middle, Ali blocks it back to the bowler. STUMPS ON DAY 3.

103.5

.

Flat one on middle, Ali defends it out.

103.4

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Azhar shoulders arms to this one.

103.3

.

Outside off, defended off the front foot by Azhar Ali.

103.2

.

Azhar defends this flighted ball on middle and leg to the leg side.

103.1

.

Loopy ball on middle, Azhar defends it back to Lasith.

102.6

.

On middle, blocked out solidly by Azam.

102.5

.

Flighted on middle, Azam defends it off the front foot back to the bowler.

102.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

102.3

.

Full on middle, tucked to mid-wicket.

102.2

1

Tosses this one up on middle and leg, Azhar whips it to square leg for a single.

102.1

.

Loopy ball on middle and leg, Azhar plays it back to the bowler.

101.6

.

Full toss on middle, Babar defends it out.

101.5

1

On off, pushed to deep cover for a single.

101.4

1

Loopy ball on middle, Babar plays it to the leg side for a single.

101.3

.

Flatter one outside off, Babar punches it to cover for nothing.

101.2

.

Tossed up ball on middle, Azam pushes it back to the bowler.

101.1

.

Short delivery outside off, Babar pushes it to cover.

100.6

.

Loopy ball on middle, defended back to the bowler.

100.5

.

BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Looped up ball outside off, Azhar looks to drive it but fails to get any bat on it.

100.4

.

Tosses this one up on middle, Azhar whips it to deep square leg for a single.

100.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Ali whips it to mid-wicket.

100.2

.

On off, Ali defends it onto the pitch.

100.1

1

Short delivery outside off, Babar punches it to deep cover for a single.

99.6

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Azam pushes it to long on for a single.

99.5

.

Outside off, Babar comes down the pitch and pushes it to point.

99.4

.

Loopy on middle, Azam defends it back to the bowler.

99.3

.

BEATEN! Brilliant bowling this from Lasith! Floated ball outside off spinning away, Azam looks to defend but misses it.

99.2

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Azhar sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

99.1

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Azhar shoulders arms to this.

98.6

.

Flighted ball on middle and leg, Azam looks to flick it but it goes off the leading edge back to the bowler. He collects it on the bounce.

98.5

1

Loopy ball on middle and leg, Azhar whips it in front of square for another run.

98.4

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Azam whips it to square leg and picks up a single.

98.3

.

Loopy ball on off, Azam blocks it out to the off side.

98.2

1

On middle, pushed down to long on for a single.

98.1

1

Floated ball on middle, Azam works it to the leg side for a single.

97.6

.

The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

97.5

.

Flat delivery outside off, Azhar lets the ball go to the keeper.

97.4

2

Short ball outside off, Ali punches it to the off side and two runs have been taken.

97.3

1

The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total.

97.2

1

FIFTY! Azhar Ali scores one after 14 Test match innings. A welcome return to form for the skipper. Flatter delivery outside off, Ali pushes it to deep cover and picks up a single. Can he too, like the openers, score a ton here?

97.1

.

BEATEN! Almost! Flighted ball around off, Azhar looks to cut it but it is too close and it beats the outside edge and goes into the mitts of the keeper.

96.6

1

Flatter delivery on middle, Ali whips it to backward square leg for a single.

96.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

96.4

3

Overthrows! Loopy ball on middle, Babar whips it to deep mid-wicket and calls Ali for a couple. The fielder there throws it to the bowler who does not collect and neither the two fielders backing up. Three taken in the end.

96.3

1

Tossed up ball on off, Azhar pushes it to point for a single.

96.2

1

On middle, pushed to long on for a single.

96.1

.

Floated ball on middle, Babar pushes it to mid-wicket.

Dhananjaya de Silva is back into the attack.

95.6

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

95.5

3

Full toss on the pads, Azam whips it nicely through mid-wicket and takes three. The fielder runs after it and cleans it up.

95.4

1

Floated ball on middle, Ali works it to the leg side and takes a single.

95.3

1

On off, Babar pushes this past the diving cover fielder for a single.

95.2

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Babar defends it back to the bowler off the back foot.

95.1

1

Floated ball on middle, Ali defends it to the leg side and takes a single.

94.6

1

On middle, Ali tucks it towards square leg for a single.

94.5

2

Good length delivery on the pads, Azhar works it fine and takes a couple. The fielder from fine leg comes across and cleans it up.

94.4

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Azhar ducks under it.

94.3

1

On a length on middle, Azam tucks it to square leg for a single.

94.2

.

Kumara retaliates by bowling a short of a length delivery outside off, Azam though is ready for it and sways away from it.

94.1

4

FOUR! Stand and deliver! Babar Azam showing his class! Back of a length delivery outside off, Azam just stands tall and punches it to deep cover for a boundary. First one for him in this innings.

93.6

.

Loopy ball on the pads, Azhar works it to mid-wicket.

93.5

.

On middle and leg, Azhar tucks it to the leg side.

93.4

1

Another tossed up ball on off, Babar leans forward and creams the drive to deep cover for a single.

93.3

.

Tossed up ball on off, Azam defends it to the cover region.

93.2

.

Loopy ball on middle, Azam blocks it back to the bowler.

93.1

1

Flatter delivery outside off, Azhar pushes it to deep cover and a single is taken.

92.6

.

Good length ball on off, Azam defends it out.

92.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Azhar tucks it wide of mid on for a single.

92.4

.

Very full delivery on off, Azhar digs it out to point for nothing.

92.3

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Azhar ducks under it.

92.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Azhar looks to cut it but it goes off the bottom edge towards the slip cordon.

92.1

.

Short ball outside off, Azhar punches it to cver where the fielder slides to make the stop. Dot ball.

91.6

.

Loopy ball outside the off stump line, Babar leaves it alone.

91.5

1

On off, Ali pushes it to the off side and takes a run.

91.4

1

Shorter delivery outside off, Azam punches it to deep cover and picks up a single.

91.3

.

Floated delivery outside off, Azam leaves it alone.

91.2

.

Loopy ball on middle, Babar defends it onto the pitch.

91.1

.

Flighted ball on off, Azam comes down the track and drives it to mid on. No run.

90.6

1

Huge cheer from the crowd as their hero, Babar Azam is off the mark.

90.5

.

Fuller on off, Babar defends it from the crease.

90.4

.

Fuller on off, Babar drives it back to the bowler.

90.3

.

Length ball outside off, Azam leaves it alone.

90.2

.

Beauty to welcome Babar. It is a yorker on off, Azam jams it out. The ball hits the inner half of his bat and goes towards the stumps but it hits his shoe and stays on the crease. People in the stadium had their hearts in the mouth.

A huge cheer from the crowd means only one thing in this part of the world. Babar Azam is coming out to bat.

90.1

W

OUT! LBW! Pakistan lose their review but no one can raise a finger on Abid Ali because he has played a gem of a knock. Everyone in the stadium is up on its feet as he walks off. Similar way he got out in the previous innings. Fast and pacy delivery pitching around off. It jags back in, Abid looks to defend but gets beaten by the pace of it and the ball hits him on the pads. Sri Lankan players go up in a huge appeal and the umpire slowly raises his finger. Abid knows he is a goner but after talking to his partner, he signals the 'T' in the eleventh hour. Replay rolls in and Ultra Edge shows there is no involvement of the bat. Ball Tracker then comes in and it shows all red as the ball was going onto crash the middle stump. To the dismay of everyone, Abid will have to walk back but what a fine player he is. He will be disappointed not to get to his double century. But it has been a great knock and he has put his side in a great position in this game. He walks back looking as fresh as he came out to bat in the first day of this Test. Though he is 32, he looks like a fine player and one feels he will be a big player for this side for a few years to come.

Abid Ali has been adjudged LBW and he has taken it upstairs. It looks plumb to the naked eye. And by the looks of it, one feels it is a hopeful review from Abid.

89.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

89.5

2

OHH! Floated on off, Azhar looks to drive it but it hits the outside edge of the bat and it goes towards deep cover for a couple.

89.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Azhar leans forward and blocks it out.

89.3

1

Short delivery outside off, Azhar punches it to the off side for a single.

89.2

.

Loopy ball on off, Abid pushes it to cover. Azhar wants the single but is sent back by Abid.

89.1

.

Floated ball on middle, Abid defends it back to the bowler.

88.6

1

On a length on middle, Abid tucks it to backward square leg for a single.

88.5

1

Back of a length ball on middle, Azhar works it to deep square leg for a single.

88.4

.

Good length ball on middle, Azhar works it to the leg side.

88.3

4

FOUR! That is thrashed! Brilliant batting. Kumara bowls a half volley on off, Azhar dismisses this through mid off for a boundary.

88.2

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Azhar lets the ball go to the keeper.

88.1

.

Good length ball down the leg side, Azhar looks to flick it but misses it.

Lahiru Kumara is back on! 18-5-72-1 are his figures so far.

87.6

.

Loopy ball on middle, Abid defends it out.

87.5

.

Flighted ball on middle, Abid blocks it out.

87.4

.

On off, pushes it to cover for nothing.

87.3

1

EDGED BUT SAFE! Floated ball on middle, Azhar attempts the sweep shot but it goes off the top edge towards deep square leg but luckily for him , it lands safely. A single taken before the fielder reaches it from deep mid-wicket.

87.2

.

Tossed up ball on middle, Azhar defends it out.

87.1

.

Floated ball on off, Azhar pushes it to cover.

Drinks Break! Pakistan are cruising along after the Tea break. Azhar Ali and Abid Ali have stitched another 50-run stand and are just dominating the game at the moment. Sri Lanka are in need of a miracle but it will be difficult considering there is nothing happening off the pitch.

86.6

4

FOUR! Hammered! Short of a length ball outside off, Abid stands tall and punches it to the deep cover fence for the third boundary of the over.

86.5

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

86.4

4

FOUR! Poor bowling this! Cannot bowl on the pads to this guy! Full delivery on the pads, Abid flicks it nicely to the deep square leg region for a boundary. There is a fielder stationed at deep mid-wicket but he had no chance.

86.3

.

BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Abid looks to drive it but misses it completely.

86.2

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

86.1

4

FOUR! That is some poor fielding! Fullish delivery outside off, Abid drives it through covers and Dhananjaya de Silva is chasing after it from deep point. He slides and stops the ball. It is rolling inside the fence but de Silva comically pushes the ball back in from outside the fence. The umpires check whether it is a four or not and the replays confirm that it is.

85.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

85.5

1

Shorter delivery outside off, Abid cuts it off the back foot to the off side for a single.

85.4

.

On middle, defended back to Embuldeniya.

85.3

1

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.

85.2

1

Shorter delivery outside off, Azhar rocks on his back foot and pushes it to deep cover for a single.

85.1

1

Flatter delivery outside off, Azhar drives it to cover where the fielder is not able to collect it cleanly. The batters manage to take a single. The lead is now 250.

84.6

.

Outside off, Abid lets the ball go to the keeper.

84.5

.

Fuller one way outside off again, Abid does not fiddle with it and lets the ball go behind.

84.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Abid Ali pushes it to long on for nothing.

84.3

.

Fullish ball outside off, Abid shoulders arms to this one.

84.2

.

Abid makes another leave to this good length ball outside the off stump line.

84.1

.

Full delivery way outside off, Abid lets the ball go to the keeper.

83.6

.

Tossed up ball on middle, Azhar defends it back to the bowler.

83.5

.

On off, pushed to cover.

83.4

.

Shorter ball outside off, Azhar punches it to the off side.

83.3

.

Loopy ball outside off, Azhar shoulders arms to this one.

83.2

.

Outside off, Azhar lets the ball go to the keeper.

83.1

1

Floated ball outside off, Abid drives it to deep cover for a single.

82.6

2

Good length ball on middle, Azhar tucks it to deep mid-wicket and takes off for a couple. The fielder runs to his from deep square leg, collects it and has a shy at the bowler's end. Abid slips after reaching the crease but gets up quickly. 50-run stand is up between the two.

82.5

2

Beautifully played! Fernando bowls a full delivery on middle and leg, Azhar whips it nicely to deep mid-wicket but it will not reach the fence as the fielder comes across and collects.

82.4

.

Fullish delivery on off, Azhar drives it to point.

82.3

.

Fullish delivery on off, Azhar pushes it to cover.

82.2

3

Pure timing! Full delivery on middle, Abid works it to deep square leg. The fielder from fine leg comes across, puts in a good sliding stop and saves a boundary for his side. The batters still manage to take three.

82.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Abid works it to mid-wicket for nothing.

81.6

.

Floated ball outside off, Azhar lets the ball go to the keeper.

81.5

.

On middle, defended by Azhar to cover.

81.4

.

Loopy ball on middle, Azhar defends it to point for a dot ball.

81.3

1

Tossed up ball on off, Abid plays it to deep cover for a single.

81.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

81.1

2

Flighted ball outside off, Abid drives it through covers for a couple before the fielder can reach it to clean it up.

80.6

1lb

On the pads, Abid looks to flick but misses. The ball lobs of his pad and goes to the on side. They steal a leg bye.

80.5

.

Back of a length on off, Abid punches it back to the bowler.

80.4

.

Poor ball. It is down the leg side, Abid looks to flick but misses. Little bit of bat and it would have gone to the fence.

80.3

3

Good length ball on middle and off. It has little to no movement. Azhar flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a three as the fielder cleans it up before the ropes.

80.2

1

Shortish and outside off, tapped through covers for a run.

80.1

1

Shortish around off, Ali taps it to long off for a single.

The second new ball is available and Sri Lanka take it in a blink of an eye. Vishwa Fernando all set to operate with it. 60 runs of his 17 overs so far.

79.6

.

Fullish and on off, Ali keeps it out.

79.5

.

Around off, it is defended.

79.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

79.3

.

Huge appeal for LBW but not out says the umpire. Sri Lanka do not have a review left. They'd hope that this is not going to hit the stumps or they will rue the lost review. A fuller ball around off, Ali goes for the sweep but makes no connection. They appeal but not out says the umpire. The replays roll in and luckily for the Lankans, it pitched outside off and also, did not go to the stumps.

79.2

.

Down the leg side, Abid looks to tuck it around the corner but misses.

79.1

.

Around middle, pushed to mid off.

78.6

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

78.5

1

There's the 150. He once again takes his helmet off and raises both his arms to accept the applause. What an innings this has been from the 2-Test old Abid. He gets there by driving this fuller ball firmly to mid off. Can he convert this one into a double now? He would love to do so.

78.4

.

On middle, flicked to the mid-wicket fielder again.

78.3

.

Fuller and on middle, Abid flicks it nicely but finds the short mid-wicket.

78.2

1

Flatter on the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket for a run.

78.1

2

Full ball on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

77.6

.

On middle, played back to the bowler.

77.5

.

Floated ball on middle, Abid defends it back to the bowler.

77.4

1

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.

77.3

.

NOT OUT! It has gone straight off the bat! What a waste of a review from the visitors. Some desperation shown by the Lankans. Flighted ball on middle, Azhar defends it back to the bowler. The Lankans think that the ball had hit the pad first and they, after thinking for ages go for the review. The replays roll in and it clearly confirms that it had gone straight off the bat to the bowler. Sri Lanka have lost both of their reviews now.

77.2

1

Floated ball down the leg side, Abid plays the sweep to short fine leg for a single.

77.1

.

Flighted ball on off, Abid pushes it to cover for nothing.

76.6

.

Floated ball on middle, Azhar works it to square leg.

76.5

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Abid pushes it to long on and moves to 148 with that single.

76.4

.

On middle and leg, Abid whips it to square leg.

76.3

1

Flatter delivery on middle, Azhar works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

76.2

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot from the skipper! Flighted ball outside off, Azhar leans forward and creams the drive through the covers for a boundary.

76.1

.

Starts with a full delivery on off, Azhar pushes it to mid on.

Dilruwan Perera is back into the attack. 15-1-53-0 are his figures so far.

75.6

.

Flighted ball around off, it is defended.

75.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

75.4

1

Fuller ball around off, Ali pushes it towards mid off and takes a single. 300 up for Pakistan.

75.3

3

Quicker and outside off, Ali this time goes on the back foot and runs it down to third man. It is racing towards the fence but Perera from short third man races and makes a sliding stop. The batters take three.

75.2

.

On middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.

75.1

.

Embuldeniya bowls it short and wide, Abid cuts it well but straight to point.

74.6

.

The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.

74.5

.

Short of a length delivery on middle, Azhar Ali stands tall and defends it out.

74.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Azhar defends it back to the bowler.

74.3

.

DROPPED! An easy catch dropped by Oshada Fernando at short leg. It should have been taken at this level. Good length ball on middle, Azhar flicks it towards short leg but Oshada was not expecting it and makes a mess of it. Lahiru Kumara is down on his knees showing his disappointment.

74.2

.

Short ball around off, Azhar sways away from it.

74.1

.

BOUNCER! Another one around middle and leg, Azhar has no problems in ducking under it.

73.6

.

Outside off, pushed to point.

73.5

.

BEATEN! That is nicely bowled! Tosses this one up around off which spins away from the batsman, Abid Ali attempts to defend it but goes past the outside edge of the bat and into the gloves of the keeper.

73.4

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

73.3

2

Loopy ball on middle and leg, Abid plays the paddle sweep down to fine leg and picks up a couple. Kumara comes across and cleans it up.

73.2

.

Flatter delivery on off, Abid cuts it off the back foot to point.

73.1

.

Floated ball on middle, Abid defends it back to the bowler.

72.6

.

Wide down the leg side, the batsman leaves it alone.

72.5

.

Short of a length delivery down the leg side, Azhar lets it go to the keeper. The keeper puts in a huge appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. Kumara suggests that it might have clipped his body on the way.

72.4

.

Back of a length delivery on middle, Azhar hops to flick it but misses it to get hit on the arm guard. The ball rolls towards the off side.

72.3

.

On a length outside off, Azhar shoulders arms to this one.

72.2

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Azhar ducks under it.

72.1

.

Good length ball down the leg side, Azhar lets the ball go to the keeper.

71.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Abid pushes it to cover for nothing.

71.5

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Abid defends it off the back foot to cover.

71.4

.

Floated ball on middle, Abid pushes it to mid on.

71.3

1

On middle, Azhar Ali flicks it to mid-wicket and picks up a single.

71.2

.

BEATEN! Beautifully bowled! Loopy delivery outside off, with a little spin on it, Azhar looks to defend it but misses it completely.

71.1

1

Floated ball outside off, Abid opens the face of the bat and plays it to short third man for a single.

70.6

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Azhar shoulders arms to this one.

70.5

.

Shorter in length on off, Azhar hops and blocks it out onto the pitch.

70.4

1

Uppish but safe! Good length ball outside off, Abid guides it uppishly to backward point and takes a single.

70.3

1

Back of a length ball outside off, Azhar pushes it to cover for a single.

70.2

.

Short ball outside off, Azhar sways away from it. Kumara showing good energy out there.

70.1

.

Starts with a bouncer around middle and leg, Azhar ducks under it. The umpire signals one for the over.

Lahiru Kumara, the man who broke the opening stand, to bowl from the other end in this session.

69.6

.

Loopy ball on middle, Abid defends it off the front foot.

69.5

1

Flatter delivery on middle, Azhar works it to the leg side and picks up a single.

69.4

4

FOUR! Deft touch! Very full delivery down the leg side, Azhar bends on his knees and paddle sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary.

69.3

1

Loopy ball on off, Abid pushes it to cover and takes a single.

69.2

2

Tossed up ball on middle, Abid works it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

69.1

.

Starts with a flighted ball on middle, Abid defends it back to the bowler.

We are all set to begin the final session of Day 3! Abid Ali and Azhar Ali, the skipper, make their way out to the middle to resume their innings. The Sri Lankan players are also out in the field. Lasith Embuldeniya will start for the visitors.

... Day 3, Session 3 ...

The Sri Lankan bowlers have toiled hard but have failed to extract much from the surface which looks quite easy to bat on. Lahiru Kumara finally provided them the breakthrough and now, they would hope to see the back of a few batters in the final session of the day. Will the hosts continue their march forward or will the visitors be able to bounce back in the final session of the day? Join us in a while to find out.

29 overs, 107 runs and a wicket! That's how the session has panned out for the hosts. You seeing that one wicket, right. Well, it came at the stroke of tea but not before Pakistan take their lead to 202 runs. Abid Ali, the centurion, from the first game has raked up another unbeaten hundred and he is looking set for a big one. He got brilliant support from Shan Masood from the other end who too smashed a ton but got out just three balls before the break.

68.6

4

FOUR! What a way to get off the mark! Full delivery on middle, Azhar drives it straight past the bowler for a boundary. The lead for Pakistan crosses 200. It is TEA ON DAY 3.

68.5

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Azhar pushes it to point and wants the single but Abid says no. There was an easy run there.

68.4

.

Full delivery outside off, Azhar makes a good leave to the keeper.

Azhar Ali, the skipper, is out in the middle. Just 3 minutes to go for the Tea break. He will look to see off this time and come back. He has been under pressure and he will look to follow in Shan Masood's footstep and make the full use of the good work done by his openers.

68.3

W

OUT! Caught! Finally. Finally there is a wicket. It has taken a long, long time to get a wicket. The mammoth opening stand has been broken and Shan walks away but after a great knock. Kumara has done the trick and right on the stroke of Tea. It is the short ball which has done the damage. Kumara bowls the effort delivery and it is directed well as well. Right around the body. Masood is taken by surprise. Maybe he expected Lahiru to be tired and did not expect a short one. He is late in his pull and he ends up hitting it in the air straight to the man at deep mid-wicket. Oshada Fernando there comes running in and takes a good catch. The 278-run partnership is broken. Pakistan lose their first wicket with the lead of 198.

68.2

2

Short delivery on middle, Masood pulls it to backward square leg for a couple.

68.1

1

Back of a length ball on middle, Abid works it to deep square leg for a single.

67.6

.

Loopy ball on middle, Masood defends it back to the bowler.

67.5

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Abid pushes it down to long on and takes a single.

67.4

.

Flatter delivery on middle and leg, Ali defends it out.

67.3

1

Floated ball on the pads, Masood works it to deep square leg for a single.

67.2

.

On middle and leg, Masood whips it to the leg side.

67.1

4

FOUR! Beautiful! Pakistan are making merry out there as nothing is happening off the pitch. Short of a length ball outside off, Masood cuts it off the back foot to deep point for a boundary.

66.6

.

Outside off, Abid makes another good leave to the keeper.

66.5

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Abid lets the ball go to the keeper.

66.4

1

Back of a length delivery outside off, Masood guides it to deep point for a single.

66.3

.

On middle, blocked back to the bowler.

66.2

2

Short delivery outside off, Masood punches it to deep cover and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across to clean it up.

66.1

.

Full delivery on off, Masood plays it back to the bowler.

65.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

65.5

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

65.5

1wd

WIDE! Bowls another floated delivery way down the leg side, Abid looks to sweep it but misses it. The umpire signals it a wide for bowling a negative line.

65.4

1

Quicker delivery outside off, Masood pushes it to long off for a single.

65.3

1

Loopy ball on off, Ali defends it to point and takes a single.

65.2

.

Floated ball on off, Ali defends it off the back foot to the bowler.

65.1

1

Flatter delivery outside off, Masood punches it to cover and picks up a single.

64.6

.

BEATEN! Beautifully bowled! Kumara bowls it on a length outside off, Abid looks to defend it but misses it completely.

64.5

.

Slower delivery outside off, left alone by Abid.

64.4

.

The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

64.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

64.2

.

Back of a length ball on off, Ali rocks on his back foot and defends it to cover.

64.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Ali drives it nicely but finds the cover fielder. No run.

Lahiru Kumara is back into the attack.

63.6

2

Around the pads, SM glances it through the on side and takes a brace to take the partnership to 262.

63.5

.

Floated on off, Masood defends it onto the ground.

63.4

.

Once again off, Masood blocks it.

63.3

2

Short outside off, Masood cuts it through point and gets a couple.

63.2

.

Floated on off, Shan defends it towards mid on.

63.1

.

Floated on off, Shan defends it off the front foot.

62.6

.

Full toss on middle, Abid works it to short fine leg. No run.

62.5

4

FOUR! Easy picking! Darted on the pads, Ali flicks it nicely towards the deep square leg region for a boundary.

62.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

62.3

.

Tossed up ball on the leg stump line, Abid looks to defend it but gets hit on the pads after hitting the inside edge. There is a stifled appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire.

62.2

2

Another misfield! Flighted ball on middle, Abid sweeps it to mid-wicket where the fielder commits another misfield, allowing the batters to take a couple.

62.1

1

Flighted ball on the pads, Masood sweeps it to backward square leg for a single.

61.6

1

Shorter delivery outside off, Masood punches it to deep cover and picks up a single.

61.5

.

Floated ball on middle, Shan defends it out.

61.4

.

Outside off, pushed it to cover for nothing.

61.3

.

Loopy ball on middle and leg, Shan defends it out.

61.2

.

Masood pushes this tossed up ball on middle back to the bowler.

61.1

.

Floated ball on off, Masood defends it to cover for a dot.

60.6

4

FOUR! Poor poor bowling this down the leg side, Abid sweeps it towards the fine leg region for a boundary.

60.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

60.4

.

Floated ball on middle, Ali works it to the leg side.

60.3

.

Loopy ball outside off, Abid drives it to cover where the fielder tumbles to make a stop.

60.2

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

60.1

.

Loopy ball on middle, Abid defends it back to the bowler.

59.6

.

Loopy ball on middle, Masood works it to the leg side and picks up a single.

59.5

.

Loopy ball on middle and leg, Masood tucks it to mid-wicket.

59.4

.

On middle, blocked back to the bowler.

59.3

1

Flatter delivery outside off, Ali defends it to point and takes a single.

59.2

1

Tossed up ball on off, Masood drives it to long off for a single.

59.1

.

Floated ball on middle and leg, Masood works it to mid-wicket. Abid wants the single but Shan says no.

58.6

1

The batsman has driven it through mid on. One run added to the total.

58.5

1

Floated ball on middle, Ali sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

58.4

4

FOUR! Poor bowling! Loopy ball down the leg side yet again, Abid bends and sweeps it past the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

58.3

1

MISFIELD! Full delivery down the leg side, Masood plays the paddle sweep to short fine leg. Dilruwan Perera lets the ball through his legs and allows the batters to take a single.

58.2

6

SIX! Beautiful batting! Floated ball on middle, Masood comes down the track and hammers it over the bowler's head for a maximum.

58.1

.

Floated ball on middle and leg, Masood looks to sweep it but gets hit on the pads. No harm done.

57.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Ali pushes it back to the bowler. Perera fails to collecxt it cleanly. Ali wants the single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but Aki was well in.

57.5

.

Flatter delivery on middle and leg, Ali whips it to square leg for nothing.

57.4

.

Tosses this one up outside off, Abid pushes it to cover.

57.3

.

On middle and leg, defended back to the bowler.

57.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

57.1

.

Flighted ball on off, Abid looks to drive but it goes off the inside half of the bat towards square leg.

56.6

.

Floated ball on middle, Masood tucks it to mid-wicket.

56.5

1

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.

56.4

2

Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Ali works it to long on and picks up a couple. The fielder comes across and cleans it up. Easy runs coming for Pakistan.

56.3

.

Floated delivery on the pads, Abid looks to flick it but misses to get hit on the pads.

56.3

1wd

WIDE! Very rarely you see this in Tests! Lasith bowls a very wide delivery down the leg side, Abid lets it go. It is wided.

56.2

1

MISFIELD! Tossed up ball on middle, Masood plays it towards mid on where the fielder misfields allowing the batters to take a single.

56.1

.

Starts with a floated ball on middle and leg, Masood works it to mid on.

Lasith Embuldeniya is back on.

55.6

.

Loopy ball on middle, Ali flicks it to mid on for another dot.

55.5

.

Floated ball on middle, Ali whips it to the leg side.

55.4

.

On middle, blocked solidly by Abid Ali.

55.3

.

Tosses this one up on middle and leg, Abid works it to mid-wicket.

55.2

.

Flatter delivery on middle and leg, Ali drives it back to the bowler.

55.1

2

Flighted ball outside off, Perera drives it to deep extra cover and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

Dilruwan Perera to bowl after the break. 8-0-34-0, his numbers so far. He has struggled to keep his control on his lines and lengths.

Drinks Break! Pakistan continue to dominate the game. The openers have built a solid foundation and are going strong. The lead has gone to 144 and with 10 wickets in hand, Sri Lanka have their backs to the wall. They desperately need to break this partnership. One more thing about this partnership is they are scoring at a very good rate of over 4.

54.6

3

Good length ball on middle, Ali tucks it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder from fine leg has to make a lot of ground to cover and that allows the batters to take three.

54.5

1

On a length outside off, Masood cuts it to deep point and picks up a single.

54.4

2

SHOT! Full delivery in the channel, Shan leans forward and drives it through covers. The fielder from deep point comes across and cleans it up. 2 runs taken.

54.3

.

Outside off, left alone by the batsman.

54.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Masood pushes it to cover for nothing.

54.1

.

Fullish ball outside off, Masood lets the ball go to the keeper.

53.6

.

Ali pushes a flighted ball back to the bowler.

53.5

.

Tossed up ball on off, Abid defends it to point.

53.4

.

Loopy ball on middle, Ali plays it back to the bowler.

53.3

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Masood works it to long on for a single.

53.2

.

On off, pushes it back to the bowler.

53.1

.

Flighted ball on middle, Shan defends it out.

52.6

.

Full delivery on middle and leg, Abid works it to the leg side.

52.5

.

Abid solidly defends the good length ball on middle to mid on.

52.4

.

Full toss on middle, Ali does not make use of it and pushes it to mid on.

52.3

.

Full delivery on off, Ali pushes it to mid off. No run.

52.2

.

BEATEN! Good length ball outside the off stump line, Abid looks to cut it off the back foot but fails to get any bat on it.

52.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Abid pushes it to mid on for nothing.

51.6

.

Driven through mid off by the batsman.

51.5

.

Short ball outside off, Masood punches it to point.

51.4

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Ali looks to flick it but it goes off the leading edge towards the off side. The batters take a single.

51.3

.

Tossed on middle, Ali defends it back to the bowler.

51.2

.

Flighted on middle, flicked to square leg.

51.1

1

Outside off, pushed to deep cover for a single.

50.6

.

Full and on off, driven nicely but straight to mid off.

50.5

.

Good length on off, it is defended.

50.4

.

Landed around off, Abid pushes it to long on.

50.3

1

Fuller length ball on the pads, Masood clips it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.

50.2

1

Short and outside off, Abid punches it through point for a single.

50.1

.

Shortish length ball on middle, Abid taps it off the back foot towards mid on.

Lahiru Kumara is back on. 9-1-52-0 are his figures so far.

49.6

1

Fuller and on the pads, worked towards deep square leg for a single.

49.5

.

Around off, it is defended.

49.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

49.3

1

Full toss on off, Masood drives it to long on for a single.

49.2

1

Fuller and on middle, Ali drives it though mid on for a single.

49.1

1

Test ton for Masood now. His second too. Not in as many games but this one will give him a lot of confidence. He had starts during the Australia tour but he could not convert there but he has done it here. He has been around for a while in red-ball cricket. He has taken quite some time to get to the three figure mark in Tests. Shortish length ball around off, Masood taps it towards backward point and takes a quick single. He takes off the helmet and soaks all the applauds. Brilliant, brilliant innings this one.

Dhanajaya de Silva is into the attack.

48.6

.

Outside off, left alone by Abid.

48.5

1

Good length ball on middle, Shan flicks it to mid-wicket and moves to 99 with that single.

48.4

2

Nicely played! Good length ball outside off, Shan punches it to sweeper cover and picks up another couple. Moves to 98 with that.

48.3

2

Fullish in length on middle, Shan looks to defend it but it goes off the inside edge towards mid-wicket. Another couple taken.

48.2

.

Full delivery outside the off stump line, Masood makes a leave to the keeper.

48.1

2

Good length ball on middle, Masood works it towards mid-wicket and picks up a couple.

47.6

.

Full and on the pads, pushed to mid off.

47.5

1

Full and on the pads, Shan flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

47.4

.

Full and down the leg side, Masood goes for the sweep but misses.

47.3

.

Flighted and on middle, defended back to the bowler.

47.2

1

Flatter and on the pads, Ali works it towards the leg side and takes a single.

47.1

.

On the pads, Abid tucks it towards fine leg. Shan thinks for a single but Abid shows no response.

46.6

.

Full and outside off, driven to mid off.

46.5

.

Around off, Masood comes forward and defends.

46.4

.

Almost! A good length ball coming in with the angle. Masood looks to defend again but the ball takes the inside edge and goes almost to the stumps. Shan is not sure where it went as he looks behind. Luckily for him, it went just past the off pole.

46.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

46.2

4

Edgy four! Fernando draws the outside edge but it races to the third man fence. Good length ball just outside off, Shan comes forward to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes past the second slip for a boundary. Shan enters into the 90s. 200-run stand is up between the two. What a performance so far from these two.

46.1

.

Fullish and outside off, Masood lets it be.

45.6

4

FOUR! Poor ball and dealt with severity. Short ball on middle, Abid rocks back and hammers it to the wide long on fence.

45.5

.

Around off, Ali dead-bats it in front of his eyes.

45.4

.

Fuller and around off, pushed back to the bowler.

45.3

.

Around off, defended.

45.2

1

Quicker and shorter on the pads, Masood goes back and works it behind square on the leg side for a single.

45.1

2

Full on the pads, Shan clips it towards deep mid-wicket and scampers for a couple of runs.

44.6

1

Around off on a length, tapped towards point for a single.

44.5

2

Nice shot but equally well fielded. Short and wide outside off, Shan cuts it past the backward point. However, the fielder in the deep dives to his right and saves a couple for his side.

44.4

.

Landed on middle, Shan strokes it to the left of the bowler and thinks of a single but decides against it.

44.3

.

On a length and outside off, Masood makes another leave.

44.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

44.1

.

Fuller and just outside off, driven to mid off.

43.6

.

Flighted around off and middle, Ali strokes it back to the bowler.

43.5

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

43.4

2

There it is! Second Test ton for Abid Ali in as many games. What a blistering start to his Test career. He could not convert the start he got in the first innings but he is growing into his game so well. He takes the helmet off and raises both his hands towards the crowd to soak all the applauds he is getting. The dressing room is on their feet. He gets there by sweeping this fuller ball towards fine leg and scampers back for the second. He has arrived and how well. What a knock this one. Now, he will look to convert this one into a massive one.

43.3

.

Flatter and just outside off, Ali once again blocks. Not in a hurry at all.

43.2

.

On off and on a fullish length, Ali defends it nicely.

43.1

.

Fuller and around off, Abid pushes it towards mid off.

42.6

.

Outside off again, another leave from Shan.

42.5

.

This time outside off on a fullish length. Shan is not lured into the shot as he makes another leave.

42.4

.

Goes little too wide outside off, Masood leaves it alone.

42.3

.

Closer to off pole on a length, Shan lets it be.

42.2

1

Fuller and outside off, Abid this time drives it through gully for a single to move to 99. Showing a lot of patience.

42.1

.

Wide outside off, Abid watchfully lets it go to the keeper.

41.6

2

Floated around off, Masood comes down the track and chips it over the bowler's head. The long on fielder comes across and cleans up the ball. A couple for Masood.

41.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

41.4

1

Around off, Ali pushes it to long off and takes a single.

41.3

1

Around off, tapped towards backward square leg for a single. Abid on strike now.

41.2

.

Flatter one on middle, tucked towards short leg.

41.1

.

Embuldeniya starts with a ball around off, he keeps it out.

Lasith Embuldeniya to partner Vishwa from the other end. Can he provide the breakthrough that Sri Lanka are desperately looking for?

40.6

.

Outside off, Ali makes a leave.

40.5

.

Around off on a length, Abid strokes it to mid off.

40.4

4

FOUR! Drilled through point. A fuller ball outside off, Ali throws the kitchen sink at the ball and sends it whistling past the cover fielder. Just 1 hit away form his second Test ton. Pakistan's lead touches 100 now.

40.3

.

Fuller and just outside off, driven to mid off.

40.2

.

In the channel and outside off, shaping away. Abid covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper.

40.1

.

Fernando starts with a good length ball around off, Abid defends it back to the bowler coming forward.

We are back for the second session. The two openers, Shan Masood and Abid Ali are out in the middle. The Sri Lankan players make their way to the middle too. Abid Ali to face the first ball of the new session. Vishwa Fernando to bowl the first over of the session.

... Day 3, Session 2 ...

What a brilliant session for the hosts! Probably the best session they have had in Test cricket in 2019! The opening pair of Abid Ali and Shan Masood have been very good, especially Abid Ali who is just 7 away from his second Test ton in his second Test. The duo have added 175 with Shan on 78. The hosts lead by 95 runs and are on the driver's seat. They will be very pleased with their efforts. As for Sri Lanka they have a lot of work to do. They have been toyed with in the first session and they need to regather and revisit their plans and try and come stronger in the second session. Will Pakistan continue their dominance or will Sri Lanka somehow find a source of inspiration? Join us after the break to find out.

39.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Shan keeps it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 3!

39.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

39.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Ali flicks it to mid-wicket.

39.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

39.2

4

FOUR! Good shot. Flighted delivery on middle, Abid plays a slog sweep over square leg for a boundary.

39.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid drives it to mid on.

38.6

1

Length delivery outside off, Abid punches it through point for a run.

38.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Ali defends it off the back foot.

38.4

1

On a length on middle, Shan nudges it towards square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

38.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Ali tucks it towards square leg for a run.

38.2

1

On a length on middle, Shan flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

38.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Masood looks to defend but misses it.

Vishwa Fernando is back on. 11-1-37-0 are his figures so far.

37.6

6

SIX! Amazing shot. Flighted delivery on middle, Abid plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a maximum.

37.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Masood drives it through point. The batsmen cross ends.

37.4

.

Full delivery on off, Shan drives it towards covers.

37.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Masood defends it off the back foot.

37.2

.

Floated delivery on off, Shan defends it off the front foot.

37.1

2

Tossed up delivery on middle, Masood flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.

Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 9-1-32-0 are his figures so far.

36.6

.

Length delivery on off, Abid taps it towards point.

36.5

3

On a length on off, Masood taps it through point. The batsmen get three runs.

36.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Abid flicks it through square leg for a run.

36.3

1

Short delivery outside off, Masood cuts it through point for a single.

36.2

4

FOUR! On a good length and outside off, Masood looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary. 150-run stand between Shan Masood and Abid Ali.

36.1

1

On a good length on off, Abid taps it through point for a run.

35.6

1

Full delivery on off, Abid drives it through mid off for a run.

35.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Abid keeps it out.

35.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Ali defends it out.

35.3

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Abid drives it through covers for a boundary.

35.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Abid blocks it off the front foot.

35.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid flicks it to mid-wicket.

34.6

.

On a good length on off, Masood defends it off the back foot.

34.5

2

Short delivery again, Shan pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

34.4

2

Short of a length delivery, Masood pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

34.3

1

Length delivery outside off, Ali punches it through point for a single.

34.2

1

On a good length on off, Shan taps it towards point and takes a single.

34.1

2

On a length on middle, Masood flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

33.6

.

On a good length on off, Ali keeps it out.

33.5

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery just outside off, Ali looks to defend but misses it due to the turn on this one.

33.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Ali defends it off the back foot.

33.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Abid defends it off the front foot.

33.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

33.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Masood flicks it through square leg for a run.

32.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Abid drives it towards mid on.

32.5

.

Bowls a bouncer, Ali easily ducks under it.

32.4

.

Full delivery on off, Ali looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards mid on.

32.3

4

FOUR! Solid stroke! Full delivery on off, Abid drives it through mid off for a boundary.

32.2

.

Outside off, Ali leaves it alone.

32.1

4

FOUR! Wonderful shot. Full and outside off, Abid drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.

31.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Masood blocks it well.

31.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Shan drives it to mid on.

31.4

6

SIX! Amazing shot. Loopy delivery on off, Masood comes down the track and lofts it over long off for a biggie.

31.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Shan punches it to point.

31.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.

31.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Masood plays it to mid on.

30.6

.

Bouncer! Ali sways away from it.

30.5

1

Short ball, Masood pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for one.

30.4

3

Good shot! Back of a length around off, Abid gets on the top of the bounce and punches it through covers for three.

30.3

.

Fiery delivery. 148.9 kph ball outside off, Abid looks to defend but misses.

30.2

.

Good length ball on off, Abid blocks it.

30.1

.

NOT OUT! Height looked an issue and it is the issue. Sri Lanka lose one of their two reviews. Can't blame Sri Lanka for going for the review. It looked very close to the naked eye. A similar delivery which got rid of Abid in the first innings. Pacy inswinging ball pitching around off and coming back in. Abid looks to defend but misses and the ball hits him on the pads over the knee roll. The Sri Lankan players put in a huge, confident appeal but the umpire turns it down. Karunaratne signals the 'T'. Replay rolls in and Ultra Edge confirms no spike. Time for the decisive Ball Tracker and it shows that the ball was going over the stumps.

It looked like a close shout and Sri Lanka have taken it upstairs for LBW! It can go either way. Height can be an issue.

29.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Shan defends it out.

29.5

1

Full delivery on off, Abid drives it towards mid off for a run.

29.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Abid blocks it well.

29.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Abid keeps it out.

29.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Ali blocks it off the back foot.

29.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Abid drives it back towards the bowler.

28.6

.

Full delivery on off, Masood drives it towards mid off.

28.5

.

Outside off, Shan offers no shot to this one.

28.4

.

On a good length on off, Masood looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

28.3

.

Outside off, Masood shoulders arms to this one.

28.2

.

Bowls a bumper, Masood ducks under it.

28.1

2

Fifty for Shan Masood! His 7th in Test cricket. A much needed one for him as he was under tremendous pressure but this will give him more confidence. He knows that the job is not done though and he will look to convert this into a big hundred. Length ball around off, Masood dabs it to third man and gets a single. He raises his bat as he gets applauded.

Drinks Break! It has been an excellent hour for the hosts where both the openers have played with composure to stay out there. Abid Ali got to his fifty and he has looked solid out there. On the other hand, Sri Lanka are searching for wickets and need to keep their line and length accurate.

27.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Masood drives it through mid on for a single.

27.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Masood defends it off the front foot.

27.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Shan drives it to mid off.

27.3

2

Floated delivery on middle, Masood flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs. 1000 Test runs for Shan Masood. It has been a great achievement for him.

27.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Masood blocks it off the front foot.

27.1

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Abid drives it through covers for a run.

26.6

.

On a good length on off, Shan defends it out.

26.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Masood defends it off the back foot.

26.4

.

On a good length on middle, Masood looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

26.3

.

Bowls it wide outside off, Masood looks to go after it but misses it.

26.2

.

On a good length and just outside off, Masood looks to flick but misses it. The keeper appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. Ultra Edge shows that there is nothing on it.

26.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Masood drives it to mid on.

Lahiru Kumara is back on. 3-0-20-0 are his figures so far.

25.6

4

FOUR! Glorious shot! Floated around off, Abid gets on his front foot and creams it through covers for a boundary!

25.5

.

Around the pads, Abid tucks it to the leg side.

25.4

1

Floated on off, Masood nudges it through covers and gets a single. Moves to 999 Test runs.

25.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

25.2

6

SIX! Shan brings up the 100-run opening stand in style! He uses his feet to perfection. Floated on middle, Masood comes down the track and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.

25.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Masood defends it out.

24.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the front foot.

24.5

.

On a good length on off, Abid plays it to point.

24.4

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on middle, Ali drives it through wide mid on for a boundary.

24.3

.

Bowls a bouncer, Abid does well to duck under it.

24.2

.

Full delivery on off, Abid drives it to mid off.

24.1

.

On a good length on middle, Abid defends it to mid-wicket.

23.6

.

Slightly shorter around off, Masood taps it towards point and looks for a run but he's rightfully sent back.

23.5

1

Flighted on off, Abid milks it down to long on for one.

23.4

.

Tossed up on off, Abid calmly defends it.

23.3

.

Floated on off, Shan defends it off the front foot.

23.2

3

On the pads, Masood flicks it through mid-wicket. They run the couple and there is a late call for the third from Abid. Shgan responds well and they get it with ease.

23.1

.

Starts with a floated delivery on off, Shan flicks it but finds short mid-wicket.

Dilruwan Perera is into the attack for the first time today. Bowled just an over on Day 2.

22.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Abid defends it off the back foot.

22.5

1

On a length on middle, Masood flicks it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

22.4

4

FOUR! Full delivery outside off, Masood looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

22.3

.

On a good length on middle, Masood blocks it off the front foot.

22.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Masood defends it off the back foot.

22.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Masood looks to defend but misses it.

21.6

.

Good length ball on off, Abid blocks it.

21.5

2

Fifty for Abid Ali! What a selection this has been. He has toiled hard in the domestic circuit and now that he has got a call up to the national side. He scored a century in the first Test and now has followed it up with a brisk fifty. This has been a very good knock from Abid. He raises his bat and removes his helmet as his teammates applaud his efforts. Full ball on off, Abid drives it through point and gets a couple to bring up his maiden Test fifty. Time to refocus and convert this into a hundred.

21.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid blocks it off the back foot.

21.3

4

FOUR! Pakistan are into the lead. Flighted delivery on middle, Abid plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a boundary. The hosts lead by 2 runs.

21.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Abid drives it to mid on.

21.1

4

FOUR! Short and outside off, Abid looks to cut but gets a top edge on this one. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

20.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Abid flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

20.5

.

On a good length on off, Ali defends it out.

20.4

4

FOUR! Lovely shot! Full delivery on middle, Abid flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

20.3

.

Full again on off, Abid drives it towards mid off.

20.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Abid drives it back towards the bowler.

20.1

.

On a good length on off, Abid defends it off the back foot.

19.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Masood drives it to mid on.

19.5

1

Flighted delivery on off, Abid plays it towards point and takes the single. The fielder picks the ball and fires a direct hit at the keeper's end. It is referred upstairs. Replays show that the batsman was well in.

Run Out appeal taken upstairs. Not lot of excitement from the Sri Lankan players. It looks like the umpire has gone upstairs just for safety measures. He looks to be well in.

19.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Abid drives it towards mid on.

19.3

.

Full delivery on off, Abid drives it to covers.

19.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

19.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Abid drives it to mid on.

18.6

.

On a good length on off, Shan blocks it off the back foot.

18.5

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on middle, Masood flicks it through square leg for a boundary.

18.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Masood looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

18.3

.

Full again on middle, Shan drives it to mid on.

18.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Masood drives it towards mid on off the back foot.

18.1

.

On a good length on off, Masood defends it off the front foot.

17.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Abid defends it out.

17.5

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Masood plays it towards covers for a run.

17.4

1

Short delivery on off, Abid makes room and slaps it through covers for a single.

17.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the front foot.

17.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Ali drives it to mid off.

17.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid plays it to mid on.

16.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Masood defends it out.

16.5

2

On a length and outside off, Masood punches it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

16.4

.

Length delivery on middle, Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.

16.3

.

On a good length on middle, Shan defends it out.

16.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Masood blocks it off the back foot.

16.1

.

On a good length on off, Masood defends it off the front foot.

15.6

.

Flighted delivery on leg, Ali looks to defend but gets hit on the pads.

15.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

15.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Abid blocks it off the front foot.

15.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Abid drives it to mid off.

15.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Ali keeps it out.

15.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the front foot.

Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl from the other end. 5-0-17-0 are his figures so far.

14.6

.

Good end to the over. Slightly fuller on off and middle, it comes back in. Shan looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball goes towards point. Nervy start for Masood.

14.5

.

Beauty! Absolute peach this from Vishwa. A similar delivery which got the better of Masood in the first innings. The only difference is this one was outside off. On the fourth stump line. Shan looks to defend but the ball zips away and squares him all ends up. There is a noise as the ball goes straiight to the keeper. Vishwa is confident but Dickwella does not go up. The umpire also shakes it away. Sri Lanka opt against the review and rightfully so as the sound was of the bat clipping the pad and not the ball kissing the bat.

14.4

.

Play and miss! Length ball outside off, Masood looks to make the most of the width on offer and tries to cut it away but misses.

14.3

2

Shan gets his first runs of the day as well. Good length ball outside off, Shan dabs it to the left of gully. The fielder there dives and gets his hands to it but cannot stop it cleanly. The ball goes behind him and they take a couple.

14.2

.

Right on queue. Little bit of away shape on this one. Comes around the wicket and bowls it outside off, it moves away from the southpaw. Masood is cautious and does not offer any shot to it.

14.1

1

Run straightaway to begin the day. Vishwa bowls a warm up delivery on the pads. Abid glances it towards square leg and gets a single to score the first run of the day.

We are all set to start the day's play. Sri Lankan players are in a huddle before they take on the field. Skipper Karunaratne has a quick word of motivation for his troops. Shan Masood and Abid Ali walk out to continue their good work from previous day. Vishwa Fernando will start with the ball on this sunny day. Three slips and a gully in place for him.

Pakistan coach and selector, Misbah-ul-Haq is caught down for a quick chat with Danny Morrison. Misbah says they need to play well and wait and see what happens. Tells that it has been 2 days of challenging Test cricket and he is relishing it as he feels it is good to see that the pitch has something for everyone. Says that the key in Test cricket is keeping your discipline and playing on merit is the key. Further adds batsmen need to keep their calm and results will take care of itself. Credits his openers for playing out the tough period and reducing the deficit. On Shaheen, Misbah says that he has improved and leading the line up as he has bowled well in Australia and the first Test as well. Credits Abbas also for his contribution. Says he bowled well and made the ball nip around and admits they were missing that.

Hello and welcome to the coverage of Day 3 of the 2nd Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. After having a deficit of 80, the Pakistan openers have done really well to reduce it to just 23 and still have all the 10 wickets in hand. The duo of Abid Ali and Shan Masood will look to continue that this morning as well and their first aim would be to get these 23 runs without losing a wicket. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will look to improve with the ball. They were very poor with it last evening and need to refocus and revisit their plans. The pitch has started to break just a hint but still it has become a good pitch to bat on. A very important day awaits us in a match where everything is right under the balance. Will the host score plenty of runs and take the ascendancy in this game or will the visitors once again take the driver's seat? Stay tuned to find out.

... Day 3, Morning Session ...

So, 13 wickets fell on Day 1. 7 fell on Day 2. What does this mean? Is the pitch getting better to bat on? The ease with Pakistan batted in the final session, it seems so. We now move to the crucial Day 3 of this 2nd and final Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. What is in store for us on Day 3? Join us on Saturday, 21st December to find out. The play will begin at 1000 local (0500 GMT). Till then, it's goodbye from us!

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka, after stuttering at 80/5 managed to post 271 on the board, taking a lead of 80 in the process. Dinesh Chandimal was the architect in chief as his 74 along with Dilruwan Perera's 48 helped the visitors go past Pakistan's total of 191. Shaheen Afridi was the star of the show with the ball as he scalped his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He was helped by Abbas as well who picked up a 4-fer.

Solid end to the day for the hosts and they have not just managed to get through the day without losing a wicket but they have also managed to reduce the deficit to 23. Abid Ali has once again looked good and Shan has supported him well. They have managed to score at over 4 rpo and this match looks evenly poised. Sri Lanka will be disappointed with their efforts with the ball as they would have liked to have at least one wicket before the end of day's play.

Light meter is out again. And it is not good enough to continue playing, says the umpire. And the players are walking off. So, a solid unbeaten opening stand for Pakistan and that will be STUMPS ON DAY 2.

13.6

1

Short delivery outside off, Abid makes room and cuts it through point. The batsmen take a single.

13.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Abid keeps it out.

13.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

13.3

.

Outside off, Ali shoulders arms to this one.

13.2

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Masood punches it through point for a run.

13.1

1

Short delivery on off, Abid makes room and cuts it through point for a single.

12.6

.

In the channel outside off, it is left alone.

12.5

.

Beaten! Ripper this one. It pitches around off on a good length and goes straight past the outside edge of Shan's defensive poke.

12.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Shan taps it towards point and makes a loud call of no for the single.

12.3

1

On a length on middle, Ali flicks it towards mid on for a single.

12.2

4

FOUR! Excellent shot. Length delivery outside off, Ali punches it through covers for a boundary.

12.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Abid shoulders arms to this one.

Lahiru Kumara is back. Just a solitary over for Dilruwan Perera.

The light meter is out and after checking, the umpire is happy for the game to continue.

11.6

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Ali flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

11.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Abid drives it straight where the ball hits Shan Masood's bat and goes towards mid off.

11.4

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Masood flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.

11.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Masood defends it out.

11.2

4

FOUR! Good shot. Flighted delivery on off, Masood punches it through point for a boundary.

11.1

1

Short delivery and outside off, Abid cuts it through point for a single.

10.6

.

On off, Masood defends it off the back foot.

10.5

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Abid flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

10.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Abid defends it out.

10.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

10.2

.

Short delivery on middle, Ali pulls it towards short leg where Kusal Mendis tries to take the catch but gets hit in the stomach.

10.1

1

Flighted delivery on off, Masood punches it towards point for a run.

Dilruwan Perera is into the attack.

9.6

1

Flighted delivery on off, Masood drives it towards point where the fielder picks the ball and goes for a direct hit at the keeper's end but misses it. The throw was so fast that it goes as overthrows towards square leg. The batsmen take a single.

9.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Ali nudges it towards square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

9.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Ali looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

9.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the front foot.

9.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Ali keeps it out.

9.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

8.6

.

Full ball around off and middle, pushed to mid on.

8.5

.

NOT OUT! Umpire's call on hitting the wickets. Sri Lanka does not lose the review though. Coming to the ball, it is a fuller ball on around off and middle, Masood looks to flick but misses. The ball hits the pads and the Lankans appeal. The umpire says no interest. Karunaratne after consulting the keeper and the bowler opts for the review. Here comes the replays. No bat involvement confirms the Ultra Edge. Here comes the Ball Tracker, pitched outside off and just clipping the leg stump. So, Masood survives. But a very good review from the Sri Lankans as had the umpire raised his finger, Masood would've been on his way.

LBW appeal taken upstairs. Looks to be going down the leg stump. Let's see what the replays suggest. No bat confirms the Ultra Edge. Pitched outside off, impact is in line but umpire's call on hitting the wickets. So the decision stays as well as the DRS for Sri Lanka.

8.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Masood looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

8.3

2

Full delivery on middle, Masood drives it towards mid on where the fielder tries to stop it but it goes through him. The batsmen pick up a couple.

8.2

.

Outside off, Masood offers no shot to this one.

8.1

.

On a good length on off, Masood defends it off the back foot.

7.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Abid keeps it out.

7.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Abid defends it off the back foot.

7.4

.

BEATEN! Loopy delivery outside off, Ali looks to defend but misses it.

7.3

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Floated delivery on middle, Abid plays a sweep through mid-wicket for a boundary.

7.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Ali defends it off the back foot.

7.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Ali drives it back towards the bowler.

6.6

.

Good length ball around off, it is blocked.

6.5

.

Fuller and around off, pushed to mid off.

6.4

.

Around off on a good length, Shan taps it towards point.

6.3

.

Slash and a miss! A short ball outside off, Shan looks to cut but connects with air only.

6.2

.

On a length around off, tapped to mid on.

6.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

5.6

.

On off, Abid keeps it out.

5.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Ali defends it off the back foot.

5.4

.

Outside off, Abid offers no shot to this one.

5.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Abid blocks it off the front foot.

5.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Masood drives it through mid on for a single.

5.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Masood drives it towards mid on.

Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack. 4 wickets in the first innings. Can he break the opening stand? A slip and a short leg in place.

4.6

4

FOUR! Poor ball this one and Ali finds the fence. Good length ball on the pads of Ali. He nudges it to the fine leg fence.

4.5

.

Huge appeal for LBW but not out says the umpire. Looks to be going over the stumps. Just behind good length, Ali looks to flick but makes no connection. The bowler and the slip cordon makes a loud appeal. The umpire shows no interest. The Lankans do not go for the review. A good call from them as the replays later on confirm that it was going over the stumps.

4.4

1

On the pads again, Shan works it towards mid-wicket for a quick single.

4.3

.

Good length ball on middle, Shan tucks it to mid-wicket.

4.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

4.1

1

Brilliant stop! Dhananjaya de Silva it is. A short ball outside off, Abid cuts it off the back foot but de Silva flies to his right and makes a fine stop. A single taken though as the ball rolled just away from him.

3.6

2

Full one on middle, Masood looks to flick but the ball takes the outer half of the bat goes through cover-point. A couple before the fielder can return the ball to the keeper. 11 from the over.

3.5

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Shan does well to sway away from it.

3.4

3

Overpitched and outside off, Ali drives it through covers sweetly. Three runs taken before the fielder can chase down the ball.

3.3

1

Around off, tapped towards cover for a single.

3.2

1

Good length ball around off, Abid looks to defend but the ball goes to mid-wicket off the inner half of the bat for a single.

3.1

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! On the pads again, Ali looks to flick but gets hit high on the thigh pad. The ball though races to the fine leg fence.

2.6

.

Good length ball around off, it is pushed back to the bowler.

2.5

.

Good length ball around off, it is defended.

2.4

.

Landed around off, pushed to covers.

2.3

4

FOUR! Nicely clipped! Shortish length ball on middle, Shan hops and tickles it fine to the fine leg fence. First boundary for Shan. This will give him a lot of confidence.

2.2

.

Landed on middle and leg, tucked to mid-wicket.

2.1

.

Full and around off, pushed to point.

1.6

4

FOUR! Beautifully driven! Slightly overpitched from Kumara, Ali leans into the drive and drives it to the long off fence. The fielder from the same position chases the ball down but the ball wins the race.

1.5

1

Another ball on the pads, this is on the left-handers pad. Shan works it towards deep square leg for a run.

1.4

1

On the pads again, Ali once again hops and guides it to fine leg for a single.

1.3

2

On the pads on a good length, Ali clips it wide of the fine leg fielder and scampers back for the second.

1.2

.

Fuller and outside off. Ali comes on the front foot and drives. But the ball takes the outside edge and goes to the first slip on the bounce.

1.1

.

In the channel outside off, Abid lets it be.

Lahiru Kumara to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Full and on off, Shan keeps it out.

0.5

1

Abid gets off the mark too. Length ball on the pads, Abid tucks it to fine leg and takes a run.

0.4

1

He is off the mark, so are Pakistan in the second innings. A ball on the pads, Masood works it towards fine leg for a single.

0.3

.

Wants to get off the mark but Abid sends him back. A shortish length around off, Masood taps it towards point and thinks for a single but Ali sends back, rightly so, as there was no run.

0.2

.

Gets the line right and dishes it out around off on a fuller length. Masood comes forward and blocks.

0.1

.

Vishwa starts with a ball down the leg side. Masood goes for the flick but does not connect.

So the bowlers have done their job, the hosts will now need to better their performance with the bat as it won't be an easy task to cross the deficit especially with the new ball moving under lights. Sri Lanka will look to take advantage of the new cherry and will look to strike early. Who will succeed? Join us in a bit to find out.

As for Pakistan's bowling, Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Afridi were the stars. The latter was impressive and rightfully bagged his maiden fifer. He will remember this for a long, long time. Abbas too bowled beautifully and hardly gave away any freebies. Naseem Shah bowled really well but did not get rewards for his effort. Haris Sohail picked the important wicket of Chandimal. But it was another bad day for Yasir Shah. It has been a very bad year for him and he went wicketless. But overall the bowlers can be satisfied with their efforts.

Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 271 and they will be very happy with their efforts. At one stage with the score reeling at 80/5, it looked like the visitors would struggle to get close to Pakistan's total but 50+ stands between Chandimal and Dhananjaya and then Chandimal and Dilruwan Perera ensured they cross the hosts total with ease. Chandimal was the best batter as his 74 ensured they did not succumb. Special mention to Dilruwan Perera as well for his 48 took the lead to 80.

85.5

W

OUT! Timber! Five-fer for Afridi as he hits the top of off, first one in Tests for Shaheen. Kumara cannot add anything to the lead. Good length ball on off, Kumara looks to defend coming forward but misses the line of the ball. It goes behind and hits the top of off. That will be end of the Lankan innings.

85.4

.

Fuller one on middle, Kumara keeps it out.

Lahiru Kumara is the last man in.

85.3

W

OUT! LBW! The review will not help Perera. He misses out on a well deserved half ton. Afridi bowls a pacy ball around middle and leg, Dilruwan looks to flick but he is early into the shot. It hits him flush on the pads and Afridi makes a loud appeal. The umpire raises the finger instantly. Perera too signals the 'T' without taking any time. Can the DRS save him? Let's find out. Front foot is okay. No willow, confirms the Ultra Edge. Here comes the Ball Tracker. Pitching in line. Hitting the wickets? No, but it is clipping the wickets, which means umpire's call stays and Perera has to depart for 48. A top innings though from him to help Pakistan take a good lead.

Perera has been given out LBW. Perera though goes for the review straightaway. Let's see if the DRS can save him. Front foot first, it is fine. No bat there, confirms Ultra Edge. Here comes the Ball Tracker. Pitching in line and umpire's call on hitting the wicket. Perera has to walk off.

85.2

.

Fuller around off, driven to mid off.

85.1

.

Beaten! Beautifully bowled! It is slightly shortish around off, it then comes in and cuts Perera into half. Lucky not to get an inside edge on that one.

84.6

.

Fuller and on middle, Vishwa tucks it towards mid-wicket to see off the over.

84.5

.

Landed on middle, it is worked towards deep square leg for a single.

84.4

.

Fullish length around off, it is blocked off the back foot.

84.3

.

Sprays down the leg side this time. Fernando lets it go to the keeper.

84.2

.

Another one! It is outside off, Fernando has no problems ducking under it.

84.2

1wd

Another bouncer! Fernando sways away from it nicely. Called wide.

84.1

.

Hit wicket? No, just safe! That was a bouncer which did not rise enough. Fernando tried to duck under it but fell in the process. Does well to keep himself away from the stumps at the very end.

83.6

.

Shortish on middle, Perera taps it towards backward point and thinks for a single. Perera though it not interested.

83.5

.

Bouncer! Perera ducks it away.

83.4

4

FOUR! Now down the ground! Slightly overpitched around off, Dilruwan this time gets on top of the bounce and creams it through mid on. Afridi tries to get his hand down but could not get it. Perera moves to 48.

83.3

4

FOUR! Guided it nicely! Poor line from Shaheen. It is on the pads, Perera just clips it to the fine leg fence and moves to 44.

83.2

.

In the channel outside off, it is left alone.

83.1

.

Bouncer on middle! Dilruwan ducks under it.

82.6

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

82.5

1lb

On the pads on a fullish length, Perera flicks but makes no connection. It goes towards mid-wicket and they take a leg bye.

82.4

.

Play and a miss! Another good length ball outside off, Perera throws his bat to get beaten.

82.3

.

Shortish around off, Perera cuts but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

82.2

1

Dropped! A tough chance though this one for the skipper! A slower one outside off, Fernando just checks his shot towards covers. The ball goes towards Azhar at extra cover who throws his left hand to catch but it just does not stick. It goes behind and a single taken.

82.1

.

On middle, Vishwa tucks it towards square leg off the back foot.

81.6

.

On a good length on off, Dilruwan blocks it off the front foot.

81.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Perera looks to flick but misses it.

81.4

3

Full delivery outside off, Fernando drives it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

81.3

.

Good length delivery on leg, Fernando looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.

81.2

.

On a good length on off, Vishwa defends it out.

81.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the back foot.

80.6

.

NOT OUT! No bat! A review lost for Pakistan. Shortish length ball down the leg side. Perera looks to flick but misses. Rizwan behind the wicket pouches the ball and appeals instantly. The umpire is not interested. Rizwan is sure though that there was some noise. He convinces his skipper and they go for the DRS. Let's see what the replays confirm. First, the front foot, it is fine. Ultra Edge time, flat line, it is as it passes the bat. Then a line appears, it is of the ball kissing the thigh pad. One review done and dusted for the hosts.

Pakistan have taken a review for caught behind. It is a ball down the leg side, Dilruwan looks to flick but the ball goes off something to the left of the keeper. Rizwan asks the question but Abbas is unsure. Rizwan tells his teammates that he has heard a noise but he is not sure what it came off. Azhar Ali takes it upstairs as they have both their reviews left. Let's see what the replays have to say. Replay rolls in and it shows that there was no bat involved. The ball kissed his thigh pad and that was the noise. Pakistan lose their review.

80.5

.

Fuller and on middle, it is defended.

80.4

1

Good length ball outside off, Vishwa guides it through gully for a single.

80.3

1

Fuller and around off, Perera flicks it towards deep mid-wicket and calls for a couple. However, Fernando was slow to take off for the first run so just a single.

80.2

.

Short ball outside off, Perera cuts but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

80.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Perera looks to flick but misses. A stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire.

Second new ball time.

79.6

.

On off and on a fuller length ball. It is defended.

79.5

.

Bouncer again! Another bumper which is aimed at the head. Vishwa, somehow manages to sway away. Lucky not to get hit. Could've been very risky as he took his eyes off the ball.

79.4

.

Bouncer! Shortish ball outside off, Vishwa does well but sways away.

79.3

.

Fuller and around off, Fernando blocks it nicely once again.

79.2

.

Full and on middle this time, Vishwa digs it out nicely.

79.1

.

Shaheen starts with a ball around off, it is blocked.

Shaheen Afridi to bowl from the other end.

78.6

.

Full and on the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket.

78.5

.

On middle, pushed towards mid-wicket.

78.4

4

FOUR! Poor line and punished! A full ball down the leg side, Dilruwan clips it to the fine leg fence nicely.

78.3

.

On the pads this time, Perera tucks it towards fine leg and looks for a single first but later decides against it.

78.2

.

Shortish around off, pushed towards point.

78.1

.

Short and outside off, Perera punches it through cover-point. Single denied as there is protection in the deep.

We are back for the final session of the day. The Pakistan players are out in the middle. Dilruwan Perera and Vishwa Fernando will resume their innings for the visitors. Mohammad Abbas will start the proceedings for the final session.

... Day 2, Session 3 ...

Sri Lanka have managed to fight out this session and one has to credit them for their efforts. They have taken their lead to 60 and have two wickets in hand. Niroshan Dickwella went out early in the session but Chandimal and Dilruwan Perera countered and the duo added 51 runs to take the lead to 44. After the loss of Chandimal, Dilruwan has kept majority of the strikes and is looking to score quick runs. Abbas and Haris Sohail were the one to get into the wickets column. How long will the visitors bat and till how much can they extend their lead? Join us after the break to find out.

77.6

.

On a good length on middle, Fernando blocks it off the back foot. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2!

77.5

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Vishwa does well to dig it out.

77.4

.

On a good length on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

77.3

1

Length delivery on middle, Perera defends it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

77.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Perera drives it through mid on but does not take the single.

77.1

.

Length delivery on off, Perera taps it to point.

77.1

1nb

NO BALL! Afridi oversteps! Bowls a bouncer, Perera does well to duck under it.

76.6

.

On a good length on off, Vishwa keeps it out.

76.5

.

Bowls a bouncer, Fernando does well to duck under it.

76.4

1

On a length on off, Perera taps it towards covers and takes a quick single.

76.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Perera drives it uppishly towards mid on but does not take the single.

76.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Dilruwan defends it off the back foot.

76.1

.

On a length on middle, Perera flicks it towards the leg side.

Mohammad Abbas is back on. 22-9-46-4 are his figures so far.

75.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

75.5

1

Fuller and outside off, Perera drives but gets an under edge which both first slip and the wicket keeper cannot collect. It goes between them just outside the ring. The batters take off the single. The first slip fielder gets to the ball and aims a throw at the striker's end but misses. Had he hit, Fernando would've been gone.

75.4

.

NOT OUT! Umpire's call on hitting the wickets which means Perera survives to continue swelling the Lankan lead. Let's talk about the ball. It is a shortish length just outside off, Perera looks to defend it off the back foot but misses to get hit on the pads. The bowler and the slip cordon appeals but not out says the umpire. Shaheen though is sure as he asks the skipper to go for the DRS. And he then eventually himself signals it to the umpire. Let's see what the replays show. The front foot is okay. Time for Ultra Edge, nothing on it. Ball Tracker time. Here it comes, It is just clipping the bails of off and middle. Umpire's call it will be then, on hitting the stumps. So, Perera stays. Pakistan keep their review.

Appeal for LBW taken upstairs. Dilruwan is the man in question. It seemed like Afridi forced his captain to go for the review instantly. The skipper quickly obliged. Looks high to the naked eye. Let's see the replays. The front foot is fine. No edge, confirms the Ultra Edge. The Ball Tracker rolls in now. Clipping the stumps so umpire's call it will be. Dilruwan will continue.

75.3

4

FOUR! Flicked nicely! Full and on the pads, Perera flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

75.2

.

Shortish length outside off, Perera taps it through point. It goes towards sweeper cover but he denies a single. Looking for quick runs while farming the strike?

75.1

.

Bouncer to start the new spell. Perera ducks under it.

Shaheen Afridi is back on. 21-4-59-3 so far from him.

74.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Vishwa defends it off the front foot.

74.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Fernando blocks it off the back foot.

74.4

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Perera drives it towards mid off for a run.

74.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Perera defends it off the back foot.

74.2

.

Short delivery on off, Perera cuts it to point.

74.1

6

SIX! This is out of here. Someone please give the ball back. Floated on the stumps, Dilruwan comes down the track and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie. The lead now over 50!

73.6

.

Flighted around off, blocked off the back foot.

73.5

.

Around off and middle, it is defended towards mid-wicket.

73.4

.

NOT OUT! That bounced just in front of Shafiq's hand. So, the third umpire has changed the soft signal, which means he was sure, absolutely sure. Took a lot of time but eventually gave the benefit of doubt to the Lankan batter. It was a flighted ball just outside off, Fernando drives but the ball takes a thick outside edge and goes to Shafiq at first slip. He catches and celebrates. The umpire is not sure though as they refer it upstairs. The third umpire checks with various angles and then eventually finds it bouncing just in front of the fingers. So, Fernando survives.

Did that carry? The soft signal is out. Let's see what the replays show. That looks to be bouncing just in front of Shafiq at first slip. The third umpire is taking his time. Need to have conclusive evidence to turn the decision.

73.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Perera flicks it towards square leg for a run.

73.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Perera looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip on one bounce.

73.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Dilruwan defends it off the front foot.

72.6

.

Flighted around off, Vishwa looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The short leg fielder pouches the ball and appeals but nothing from the umpire.

Vishwa Fernando is the next batsman in.

72.5

W

OUT! Caught! The part-timer strikes. Not the perfect ball at all but he has got the massive wicket of Chandimal. Short and just outside off, Dinesh goes for the cut. He ends up slicing it towards Shan Masood at backward point who makes no mistake. End of a very good knock from Chandimal. He could've swelled the lead to a bigger one, so a very important wicket this one.

72.4

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

72.3

1

Full and around off, Perera strokes to long off for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two.

72.2

.

Short around off, stroked straight to cover.

72.1

1lb

Fuller one on the pads, Perera flicks but misses to get hit on the pad. It hits the pad and goes towards square leg for a leg bye.

71.6

.

Loopy ball around off, pushed towards the extra cover fielder once again.

71.5

.

Full and on off, pushed back to the bowler.

71.4

.

Full and outside off, Chandimal drives it well but finds short extra cover.

71.3

.

Floated around off on a fuller length, defended towards covers.

71.2

.

Another flatter one outside off, tapped towards point by Chandimal.

71.1

1

Quicker one and outside off, pushed to long off for a single.

Yasir Shah is back on. 11-0-41-0 are his figures so far.

70.6

1lb

Fuller and down the leg side. Perera looks to flick but misses. The ball hits the pads and goes towards short fine leg for a leg bye.

70.5

.

Flighted and around off, blocked.

70.4

.

Full and on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket.

70.3

1

Flighted and fuller around off, Dinesh eases it through mid off for a single.

70.2

1

Flatter one around off, Perera looks to defend but the ball hits the upper part of the bat and goes towards point uppishly. A single.

70.1

.

Fuller on on middle, Perera defends it back to the bowler.

Haris Sohail is into the attack.

69.6

4

FOUR! Another one! Chandimal is taking the attack to the opposition. Another shortish length outside off, Chandimal punches it off the back foot past the diving cover fielder and into the fence.

69.5

4

FOUR! Second boundary of the over! Shortish ball outside off, Chandimal comes forward and taps it through covers beautifully. The ball races to the fence.

69.4

.

Around off, it is defended towards mid-wicket.

69.3

.

Full on middle, flicked to mid on.

69.2

4

FOUR! Hammered! What a shot! Short ball on middle, Chandimal swivels and smashes the pull into the deep square leg fence.

69.1

.

Around off on a good length, it is defended back to the bowler.

68.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Perera defends it off the front foot.

68.5

4

FOUR! Good shot. Flighted delivery on middle, Perera lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

68.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Dilruwan looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the off side.

68.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Perera blocks it off the front foot.

68.2

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal drives it through mid off. The batsmen cross ends.

68.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Dinesh drives it to mid on.

67.6

1

Short again and outside off, Chandimal cuts it through point for a single.

67.5

2

Short of a length delivery, Chandimal pulls it uppishly towards mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

67.4

.

Outside off, Chandimal does not bother to play at that.

67.3

1

Full delivery outside off, Perera drives it through point for a run.

67.2

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Perera lets it sail through to the keeper.

67.1

.

Full delivery on off, Perera drives it to mid off.

66.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Chandimal keeps it out.

66.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Chandimal blocks it off the back foot.

66.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Dinesh punches it to point.

66.3

4

FOUR! That is hammered! Floated delivery outside off, Chandimal drives it through covers for a boundary.

66.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Dinesh plays it to point.

66.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

Yasir Shah is back on. Can he wrap things up before Sri Lanka swell their lead to a bigger number.

65.6

2

On a good length and outside off, Perera looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.

The Lankan physio is out in the middle to check on Dilruwan Perera. Concussion test time. The umpires have taken the opportunity to call for the drinks. The Lankan have taken the lead and will look to add as many as they can. They'd also hope that Perera is okay to continue and keep assisting Chandimal with the bat out in the middle. And, obviously, he will be very vital for them with the ball. An interesting phase ahead.

65.5

.

Ouch! That looks nasty! A skiddy bouncer on middle. Perera looks to duck but gets his eyes off the ball. It hits him flush on the grill. He takes off the helmet. Time for the concussion test.

65.4

.

Outside off, Perera lets it be. As the ball goes behind, it dies down in front of Rizwan who cannot pouch it cleanly.

65.3

.

Full and outside off, once again it is pushed towards mid off.

65.2

.

Fuller and on off, stroked to mid off.

65.1

4

FOUR! Going for the yorker but instead dishes out a full toss ball outside off, Perera drives it through point nicely to bag his first boundary of his innings. 200 up for the hosts.

Naseem Shah is back on. 13-1-49-0 are his figures so far.

64.6

.

Shortish ball outside off, defended back to the bowler.

64.5

2

Full and on middle, Chandimal clips it between mid-wicket and mid on and picks a couple of runs.

64.4

.

Shortish and outside off, Chandimal stands tall and defends it to mid off.

64.3

.

Shortish and on off, pushed to mid off.

64.2

.

Around off, it is defended.

64.1

4

FOUR! Sri Lanka are into the lead and Chandimal gets to his half ton. His 18th in Tests. Gets there with a beautiful drive off the back foot. Slightly short ball around off, Chandimal stands tall and punches it through the cover region for a boundary. Brilliant innings this one. He is making the opportunity count after getting out to a peach of a delivery in the first game. Can he consolidate the lead for the visitors?

63.6

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

63.5

.

On the stumps, Dilruwan defends it off the front foot.

63.4

2

On the pads, Perera flicks it through square leg and gets a brace. Scores level now.

63.3

.

Very full around off. Dilruwan does well to get his bat down and block it.

63.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Perera defends it nicely.

63.1

2

Good shot! Fuller outside off, Dilruwan drives it through point and gets a couple as Shan Masood stops it with a slide before the ropes. The trail now stands at just 2.

62.6

.

On a length around off, Chandimal blocks it back to the bowler.

62.5

.

Well fielded! This time it is Abid Ali in the covers. A full ball just outside off, Chandimal drives it towards cover where Abid dives and stops the ball.

62.4

1

Shortish around off, Perera taps it towards cover-point where Masood dives and saves runs. A single for Perera though.

62.3

.

Full and on off, stroked towards mid off.

62.2

.

Shortish around off, Perera punches it to mid off.

62.1

.

Bouncer and around off, Perera ducks under it.

61.6

1

Fuller and on off, tapped towards point for a single.

61.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Perera tucks it towards mid-wicket.

61.4

1

Fuller around off, Chandimal drives again, this time the ball goes to mid-wicket off the inner half of the bat for a run.

61.3

.

Full and on off, blocked coming forward by Dinesh.

61.2

.

Fuller and on off this time, Chandimal comes forward and pushes it to mid off again.

61.1

.

Fuller and just outside off, Chandimal drives it straight to mid off.

60.6

.

Good length ball around off, it is defended.

60.5

.

Good length ball around off, it is defended back to the bowler.

60.4

.

Length and on off this one, Perera pushes it towards mid on.

60.3

.

On a length around off, pushed towards cover.

60.2

.

Play and a miss! Good length delivery outside off, Perera looks to defend but misses it.

60.1

.

BEATEN! Excellent delivery from Abbas. On a good length and outside off, Perera looks to defend but misses it.

59.6

.

Full and the pads, Chandimal flicks but once again misses to get hit on the pads. No appeal this time as it was clearly going down leg.

59.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

59.4

.

Another huge appeal but probably an inside edge on this one. Pitches around off and middle, Chandimal flicks but gets hit on the pads. A stifled appeal but it dies down quickly, probably because they realized the inside edge on this one.

59.3

.

Around off, pushed to mid off.

59.2

.

Huge appeal for LBW! A massive one! Pakistan do not opt for the review. Brilliant ball this one. It pitches on middle and then swings in a bit. Chandimal looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Shaheen appeals, he continues appealing. Nothing from the umpire. The skipper comes around but eventually opts against the review.

59.1

.

Shaheen starts with a good length ball on middle, it is defended.

Dilruwan Perera comes out to bat next.

58.6

W

OUT! Bowled! Abbas you beauty! His teammates are all over him and no wonder why. He has bowled a cracker of a delivery. You might look at him and say he has no pace at all but boy this man can do some magic with it. Seam up delivery pitching outside off. Dickwella looks to defend it with a straight bat but the ball zips in and hits the top of off. Every pacer likes to hit the top of the stumps and he has hit just that. Too good! His 4th wicket of the game and he is up in joy. The trail is now 7 but they have just three wickets remaining.

58.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dickwella looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

58.4

1

Short and outside off, Dinesh slaps it towards covers for a single.

58.3

.

Full delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to covers.

58.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Chandimal defends it to covers.

58.1

.

Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Chandimal looks to drive but misses it.

57.6

1

Short delivery on middle, Dinesh pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

57.5

.

Full delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to mid off.

57.4

.

Outside off, Dinesh shoulders arms to this one.

57.3

.

On a good length and outside off, Chandimal punches it to point.

57.2

.

Full delivery on off, Dinesh drives it towards mid off.

57.1

.

On a good length on middle, Chandimal looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

56.6

.

Now calmly defends it this ball to get through the over. Simple and smart cricket this from the Sri Lankan wicket keeper batsman.

56.5

4

FOUR! Don't bother running that was four the moment it left the bat. Good length ball outside off. Dickwella lunges forward and creams his drive through covers for a boundary.

56.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Niroshan taps it to point.

56.3

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dickwella looks to defend but misses it.

56.2

.

Full delivery on off, Dickwella drives it to covers.

56.1

.

On a good length on off, Dickwella defends it off the back foot.

Mohammad Abbas to bowl from the other end. 17-8-34-3 are his figures so far.

55.6

5

FOUR OVERTHROWS! Poor from the Pakistani fielder. Slightly fuller outside off, Dickwella nudges it towards point and calls for a quick single. Chandimal responds and the fielder from gully quickly gets to the ball and has a shy at the keeper's end. He misses and there is no one backing up so the ball goes away to the fence.

55.5

.

Length delivery on off, Niroshan defends it by getting right behind the line of the ball.

55.4

.

First ball that is away from the stumps and Dickwella shoulders arms to it.

55.3

2

Fuller on middle, Dickwella flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.

55.2

1

First run off the session and it has come off the inside edge. Full on off and middle, Chandimal looks to drive but the ball goes off the inside edge behind square on the leg side for a single.

55.1

.

Absolute jaffa to start the session. Good length ball on off and middle, it jags back in and dissects Chandimal in half. He is a lucky man not to get any bat on it on its way to the keeper.

We are back for the second session. The Pakistan players are out in the middle. Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella will resume their innings. Shaheen Afridi will start the proceedings for the second session.

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

So, the 2 hour 40 minute session is done and we now have an extended break for prayers. The Lunch break will be for 1 hour. What do we have in store for the second session? Will Pakistan come good and wrap it up for under 200 or will Sri Lanka get a significant lead? Join us after the break to find out.

Pakistan will be disappointed with their effort. They started off well but that partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and Chandimal dented their morale. Abbas and Shaheen have been the pick of the bowlers and have 3 wickets each. Naseem too bowled well but the cause of concern for the hosts would be the ease with Yasir Shah has been played with. Azhar Ali would want his spinner to come good and help out the trio of pace bowlers.

End of the extended session. It was a very even session but in the context of this game, Sri Lanka will be happier as the trail is now just 21. It looked like Pakistan might be able to restrict them under their score of 191 when the tourists were stuttering at 80/5 but a 67-run stand between Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva ensured that Sri Lanka do not falter badly. The centurion from the last game though could not convert his start but Chandimal looks set and he is joined by Dickwella. The onus will be on these two as this is the last recognized batting pair for them.

54.6

.

On a good length on off, Dickwella blocks it off the back foot. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!

54.5

.

Outside off, Dickwella offers no shot to this one.

54.4

.

Good length delivery outside off, Dickwella taps it to point.

54.3

.

On a length on middle, Dickwella nudges it towards the leg side.

54.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Niroshan keeps it out.

54.1

.

On a good length on middle, Dickwella defends it off the back foot.

53.6

.

Full again on off, Dinesh drives it to covers.

53.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Chandimal drives it back towards the bowler.

53.4

.

On a good length on middle, Dinesh blocks it well.

53.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Chandimal blocks it off the back foot.

53.2

1

On a length on middle, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

53.1

.

Outside off, Dickwella shoulders arms to this one.

52.6

.

On a good length on middle, Dinesh defends it off the back foot.

52.5

.

Length delivery on off, Dinesh plays it to point.

52.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Chandimal keeps it out.

52.3

.

On a good length on middle, Dinesh defends it off the back foot.

52.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dinesh looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

52.1

.

On a good length on off, Chandimal defends it off the back foot.

Mohammad Abbas is back on. 15-6-34-3 are his figures so far.

51.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dickwella looks to play a scoop shot but misses it.

51.5

4

FOUR! Nicely played! On a length on off, Dickwella guides it towards third man for a boundary.

51.4

4

EDGE AND FOUR! On a good length and outside off, Dickwella looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes between second slip and gully towards third man for a boundary.

51.3

1

On a length on middle, Chandimal flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

51.2

.

Again outside off, Dinesh shoulders arms to this one.

51.1

.

Outside off, Dinesh lets it go.

50.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Dickwella plays it to point.

50.5

1

Flighted delivery on off, Chandimal plays it towards covers for a run.

50.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Chandimal blocks it off the front foot.

50.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Dinesh defends it off the front foot.

50.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Dickwella flicks it towards square leg for a run.

50.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it towards square leg for a single.

49.6

.

On a good length on off, Niroshan keeps it out.

49.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Dickwella defends it off the back foot.

49.4

1

On a length on middle, Chandimal tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

49.3

.

Full delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to mid off.

49.2

.

Beauty! There is a lot of appeal from the bowler and the fielders but Rizwan did not go up at all. There was a sound but it was of the ball hitting the thigh pad. Gem of a delivery this. Good length ball pitching on off. It jags back in viciously. Dinesh looks to defend but the ball goes right through the gate of pad and bat. It clips something on its way to the keeper. Shaheen is convinced that kiss came of the bat but Rizwan does not go up and the umpire agrees with Rizwan. They think about the review but opt against it. Good decision as replays later on confirm that the ball kissed the thigh pad. Very good decision from Bruce Oxenford.

49.1

4

FOUR! Smart cricket. Back of a length outside off, Chandimal sees that there is no one at deep third man so he plays the upper cut with ease and fetches himself a boundary.

48.6

4b

FOUR BYES! That's missed everything. Floated outside off, Dickwella looks to paddle it but he misses. The ball goes past the keeper and first slip and to the fence.

48.5

.

Tossed up on off, Dickwella blocks it.

48.4

.

Yasir goes short around off, Dickwella defends it calmly.

48.3

.

Tossed up on middle, Dickwella gets down and sweeps it to the right of backward square leg. The fielder there dives on that side and saves runs for his side.

48.2

.

Floated on off, Dickwella defends it back to the bowler.

48.1

1

Leg spinner around the pads, Chandimal glances it against the spin towards square leg for a single.

47.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Niroshan defends it off the back foot.

47.5

.

BEATEN! Good shape on this one. On a good length and outside off, Dickwella looks to defend but misses it.

47.4

.

Outside off, Dickwella does not bother to play at that.

Niroshan Dickwella walks out to bat next.

47.3

W

OUT! Caught! Big wicket for Pakistan! It's the man in form, the man who had a century in the previous game and the man who was looking very good out in the middle, Dhananjaya de Silva. Shaheen strikes again in his spell. It is the short ball that has done the trick for the hosts. A very well directed bouncer from Shaheen, it is on the body and catches Dhananjaya de Silva by surprise. He is hurried into the pull and ends up top edging it to the right of fine leg. Abbas comes running in and takes a very good catch. Shaheen brings out his trademark celebration. One has to credit Mohammad Rizwan as well as before this delivery was bowled it was he who suggested Shaheen to bang it in short. So excellent work from the keeper as well. As they say that bowler and keeper's have a special partnership. The 67-run stand is broken and Sri Lanka still trail by 44 runs.

47.2

2

Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it through mid on. The batsmen get two runs.

47.1

.

On a good length on middle, de Silva defends it off the back foot.

46.6

.

Floated delivery on off, Dinesh drives it towards mid off.

46.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to mid off.

46.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Dinesh drives it towards mid on.

46.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Dinesh tucks it to mid-wicket.

46.2

2

Tossed up delivery on off, Dinesh punches it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.

46.1

2

Flighted delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

45.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.

45.5

.

On a good length on off, de Silva blocks it well.

45.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.

45.3

.

On a length on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it towards the leg side.

45.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it towards mid-wicket where Babar Azam misfields and concedes a single.

45.1

.

On a good length on middle, Chandimal blocks it well.

44.6

.

Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it back towards the bowler.

44.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, de Silva defends it off the back foot.

44.4

1

Floated delivery on off, Dinesh plays it towards covers for a run.

44.3

.

Full delivery on off, Chandimal drives it to mid off.

44.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through square leg for a single.

44.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it to covers.

43.6

.

Outside off, Dinesh lets it go.

43.5

4

FOUR! Excellently played! Good length ball around off, Chandimal waits for it and then punches it with ease and grace through wide of mid off for a boundary.

43.4

.

On a good length on middle, Chandimal blocks it off the front foot.

43.3

.

Length delivery on off, Dinesh plays it to point.

43.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Chandimal drives it to mid on.

43.1

.

Outside off, Chandimal shoulders arms to this one.

42.6

.

Much better from Yasir! Gives this one air and also pitches it up. Dhananjaya lunges forward to defend but the ball spins away from him. This is what is required from Yasir. He just needs to keep things simple here.

42.5

4

FOUR! Easily and nicely played! Shorter around off, Dhananjaya gets on his back foot and punches it through covers for a boundary. Dhananjaya is once again looking good here.

42.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, de Silva defends it off the back foot.

42.3

.

The batsman has pushed it to the cover region.

42.2

6

SIX! Amazing shot. Flighted delivery on off, de Silva comes down the track and lofts it over long off for a biggie.

42.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya plays it to point.

41.6

1

Short delivery on middle, de Silva pulls it through square leg where the fielder does well to stop it with a dive. The batsmen cross ends.

41.5

1

On a length on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

41.4

2

Length delivery outside off, Chandimal taps it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

41.4

1nb

NO BALL! Naseem Shah oversteps! Outside off, Chandimal leaves it alone.

41.3

.

Bowls a bumper outside off, Chandimal lets it sail through to the keeper.

41.2

.

Bowls a bouncer, Chandimal ducks under it.

41.1

1

Length delivery on off, de Silva punches it through point for a run.

40.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dinesh blocks it off the front foot.

40.5

1

Loopy delivery on middle, de Silva flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

40.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.

40.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, de Silva looks to cut but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

40.2

.

Full delivery on off, de Silva drives it to covers.

40.1

4

FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

39.6

1

Length delivery on off, de Silva cuts it through point for a single.

39.5

.

Good length delivery on off, de Silva defends it off the back foot.

39.4

1

On a length on middle, Dinesh flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.

39.3

.

Short of a length delivery on leg, Chandimal looks to pull but misses it.

39.2

.

Bowls a bouncer, Chandimal does well to duck under it.

39.1

.

On a good length on off, Chandimal defends it off the back foot.

38.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, de Silva blocks it off the back foot.

38.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.

38.4

1

Full delivery on off, Chandimal drives it through mid off for a run.

38.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, de Silva punches it through point for a single.

38.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya plays it to point.

38.1

.

BEATEN! Tossed up delivery on off, Chandimal looks to cut but misses it. It goes towards the keeper who fails to collect the ball.

37.6

.

Bowls a bouncer, Chandimal does well to duck under it.

37.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Dinesh defends it off the front foot.

37.4

4

FOUR! That missed the leg stump by a whisker. On a good length on middle, Chandimal looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It misses the leg stump and goes towards fine leg for a boundary.

37.3

1

On a length on middle, Dhananjaya pushes it through mid on for a single.

37.2

.

On a good length on off, de Silva defends it off the front foot.

37.1

2

Full delivery on middle, Dhananjaya drives it straight past the bowler through mid off. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

Naseem Shah is back on. 9-1-30-0 are his figures so far.

DRINKS BREAK! It has been an excellent hour for the hosts where they have picked two wickets. On the other hand, Sri Lanka would want a big partnership to get going and put pressure on Pakistan.

36.6

1

Loopy delivery on off, de Silva pushes it towards point. The batsmen take a single.

36.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya comes down the track and blocks it.

36.4

1

Short delivery on off, Chandimal cuts it through point for a single.

36.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal defends it off the back foot.

36.2

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it through mid off for a run.

36.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, de Silva flicks it to mid-wicket.

35.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Chandimal looks to flick but misses it.

35.5

.

Outside off, Chandimal offers no shot to this one.

35.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dinesh defends it off the back foot.

35.3

.

On a good length on middle, Chandimal blocks it off the back foot.

35.2

1

Bowls a well-directed bouncer on middle, Dhananjaya looks to pull but gets a top edge. It lands safely towards square leg. The batsmen take a single.

35.1

.

On a good length on off, de Silva defends it out.

34.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Dinesh offers a forward defense on this one.

34.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Chandimal keeps it out.

34.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal blocks it off the back foot.

34.3

1

Tossed up delivery on off, de Silva makes room and slaps it through covers for a run.

34.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, de Silva defends it off the front foot.

34.1

1

Short delivery on off, Chandimal makes room and cuts it through point for a single.

Spin time! Everyone was waiting for him and now he has the ball in hand. Yasir Shah is on!

33.6

.

Full delivery on middle, de Silva drives it to mid on.

33.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dhananjaya blocks it well.

33.4

2

Full delivery outside off, Dhananjaya looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man where Yasir Shah chases the ball, slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. He picks the ball and throws it to Babar Azam. The batsmen get two runs.

33.3

.

On a good length on off, de Silva blocks it off the back foot.

33.2

.

On a good length on middle, Dhananjaya defends it out.

33.1

.

Good length delivery on off, Dhananjaya defends it off the front foot.

32.6

1

On a length on middle, Dhananjaya nudges it towards fine leg for a single.

32.5

3

Full delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

32.4

4

FOUR! Terrific shot. Full delivery outside off, Chandimal drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.

32.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Dinesh defends it off the back foot.

32.2

.

On a good length on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

32.1

1lb

On a length on leg, Dhananjaya looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

31.6

4

FOUR! Aerial but still a good shot. Chandimal sees width outside off, he slashes at it. It goes uppishly through the vacant backward point region for a boundary. Much needed boundary for the tourists.

31.5

.

BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery! On a good length and just outside off, Chandimal looks to defend but misses it.

31.4

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Dinesh looks to cut but misses it.

31.3

.

Again outside off, Chandimal shoulders arms to this one.

31.2

.

Outside off, Chandimal offers no shot to this one.

31.1

.

On a length on off, Chandimal plays it to covers.

30.6

.

On a good length on off, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.

30.5

1

Length delivery on off, Chandimal taps it through covers for a run.

30.4

.

Bowls a bouncer, Chandimal sways away from it.

30.3

.

On a good length on middle, Dinesh keeps it out.

30.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

30.1

.

On a good length on middle, Chandimal flicks it to mid-wicket.

29.6

.

On the fourth stump line, Dhananjaya lets it go.

29.5

.

Fuller on off, Dhananjaya pushes it to cover.

29.4

.

Outside off, Dhananjaya is not interested to play at that.

29.3

.

Length delivery on off, Dhananjaya defends it with a dead bat.

29.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Dhananjaya looks to defend but gets beaten as this one shapes away. Very good bowling this from Shaheen.

The centurion from the last game, Dhananjaya de Silva walks out to bat now. His team needs him to do something similar here.

29.1

W

OUT! Caught! Sri Lanka have half their side back in the hut. Brilliant ball this from Shaheen. He is a very talented bowler and this ball just shows how good he is. Good length ball around off, Shaheen makes the ball nip back in. Mathews looks to defend but is completely outdone by the inward movement. It kisses the inside edge and goes to the keeper. Rizwan takes an easy catch. Shaheen is pumping the air in joy. Both the overnight batsmen are back in the hut and Pakistan on a roll here. SL trail by 111.

28.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Dinesh defends it off the front foot.

28.5

.

On a good length on middle, Chandimal keeps it out.

28.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Chandimal defends it off the back foot.

28.3

.

On a good length on middle, Chandimal defends it towards mid-wicket.

28.2

1

On a length on middle, Mathews flicks it through square leg. The batsmen take a single.

28.1

.

Good length delivery around off, Mathews defends it towards mid on.

27.6

.

Outside off, DC leaves it alone to see off Shaheen's first of the day.

27.5

.

Good length ball on top of middle and off. It comes back in a bit. Chandimal looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad.

27.4

.

Around off, Chandimal blocks it off the front foot.

27.3

1

Full on off, Mathews strokes it towards mid on and gets to the other end.

27.2

.

Better ball. Back of a length ball on off. This shoots up onto the batter. Mathews looks to defend and does so off the upper half of his bat.

27.1

.

Shaheen starts with a lenght ball down the leg side. Mathews looks to flick it but misses.

First bowling change of the day. Naseem Shah is replaced by Shaheen Afridi.

26.6

.

End of an excellent over from Abbas. Wicket maiden. The last ball is another one which he pegs on the off stump. Chandimal defends it towards cover and gets through the over.

26.5

.

Length delivery on off, Dinesh defends it to point and shouts a loud no.

26.4

.

Good length ball on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot.

The new man in is Dinesh Chandimal.

26.3

W

OUT! Caught! This is some very weird way to get out. No one can actually understand what Embuldeniya was thinking. This is a bizarre way to get out. The two bouncers went on Embuldeniya's nerves. So now he looks to play a slog sweep, yes a slog sweep. It is fuller on middle, Embuldeniya is a bit early in his premeditated slog sweep and ends up getting a thick outside edge. It goes straight to the man at second slip. This time Embuldeniya is not lucky as Asad Shafiq takes an easy catch. The night watchman's adventures comes to an end.

26.2

.

Another short ball. How rarely have we seen Abbas bowl short? He has done it back-to-back here. It is around the boddy. Embuldeniya ducks and takes one hand off the bat and looks to flick but misses.

26.1

.

Abbas with a bouncer now! It is a well directed one as well. Around the body, Embuldeniya manages to gets his head away from it.

25.6

.

Now Naseem offers width to Angelo outside off but his cuts is straight to the man at point.

25.5

.

This one jags back in a bit. Good length ball around off, it comes in off the deck. Mathews looks to punch but it goes to the leg side off the inner half of his bat. Smart bowling this from Naseem. He is bowling it straight to him and not offering much width to play with as he likes to cut and pull.

25.4

.

Good, solid front foot defense now. Full on off, Mathews defends it to the left of Naseem.

25.3

.

Full on off, Angelo defends it with a straight bat.

25.2

.

Good length ball on off, Mathews punches it to cover.

25.1

.

Outside off, Mathews leaves it alone.

24.6

.

Embuldeniya shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot to get through the over.

24.5

.

Full on off, Embuldeniya defends it off the front foot.

24.4

1

Fuller on off, Mathews pushes it towards mid on and gets to the other end.

24.3

2

Shorter around off, Mathews walks towards it and then glances it through mid-wicket and runs the first one hard. He wants the second but Embuldeniya is hesitant. He later goes for it, the fielder sends the throw at the bowler's end away from the stumps. Abbas collects it and hits the direct hit with an underarm throw. Lasith though puts in a dive which takes him home comfortably.

24.2

.

Length ball outside off, Mathews leaves it alone.

24.1

.

Fuller on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot.

23.6

.

Beaten! Goes wide of the crease and makes the ball come in with the angle from well outside off. Embuldeniya looks to defend but once again the ball just about misses the outside edge of his bat.

23.5

2

Good length ball around off, Embuldeniya drives it through covers and gets a couple.

23.4

.

Bouncer! Good contest this between the two. Naseem bangs it in short and Embuldeniya sways away from it.

23.3

.

Fuller on off, LE blocks it with relative ease.

23.2

.

This time manages to get bat on ball. Naseem goes full and on the stumps, Lasith manages to get hgis bat down and block it.

23.1

.

Good bowling. Pacy and on a length just outside off, Embuldeniya looks to defend but misses it all ends up.

22.6

.

On the pads, Mathews glances it to mid-wicket.

22.5

.

Beauty! Good length ball pitching on off. Mathews looks to defend it but the ball fizzles away and squares Angelo all ends up.

22.4

.

Outside off, AM does not disturb that.

22.3

.

Fuller on the stumps, Mathews blocks it.

22.2

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

22.1

.

Around off, Mathews blocks it off his back foot.

21.6

.

End of an eventful over. Should have had Embuldeniya back but he is still out there. Back of a length on off, LE defends it off his back foot.

21.5

.

Dropeed! Babar has put down a sitter here. Good bowling from young Naseem and he should have had Embuldeniya. Good length ball on off, Lasith looks to defend it away from his body. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to the right of gully. Babar there takes it too casually and the ball pops out of his hand. Unlucky is the only word one can associate with Naseem at this point in time.

21.4

.

The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

21.3

4

FOUR! How lucky is Embuldeniya! Good length ball which jags back in from around off. Lasith looks to defend but gets an inside edge. The ball hits the top of off but the bails refuse to be dislodged. The ball goes to the right of Rizwan and he dives but cannot hold onto it. The ball then races away to the fence. Unlucky is the word for Pakistan.

21.2

2

Good length ball around off, Embuldeniya intentionally plays it wide of gully and gets a couple as Masood cleans it before the ropes.

21.1

2

First runs off the bat for the day. Fuller on off, Embuldeniya strokes it through covers and gets a couple.

20.6

.

Back of a length around off, Mathews blocks it to get through Abbas' first over of the day.

20.5

.

Abbas continues to target the middle and leg stump. This is slightly fuller and Mathews is forced to defend it off his front foot.

20.4

.

Slightly shorter on middle and leg, Angelo blocks it off his back foot.

20.3

.

On a length on middle and leg. This one sticks on the pitch and comes to Mathews. He manages to block it.

Mathews moves away as Abbas comes in as he is having some issue in the sightscreen. All sorted and now he is ready again.

20.2

.

Wild slash at it but Mathews misses. Good lenth ball outside off. Mathews sees it is short and outside off so he looks to cut it but misses. He would have been gutted with himself had he nicked that to the keeper.

20.1

.

Abbas starts on the corridor of off stump. Mathews looks to defend it but it goes off the outer half of his bat towards gully.

Mohammad Abbas to partner Naseem Shah to start the day.

19.6

.

Just a no ball off the first one. Back of a length outside off, Lasith sways away from it and gets through the first over unscathed.

19.5

.

Smart bowling. After going short he goes full on the stumps. Embuldeniya though is ready for it and defends it.

19.4

.

Short ball. It is around off, Embuldeniya sways away from it.

19.3

.

Fuller and closer to the off pole. Embuldeniya looks to defend it with soft hands but it goes off the outer half of his bat to the right of gully. The fielder there dives and saves runs for his side.

19.2

.

Comes wide of the crease and uses the angle to make it come in from outside off. Embuldeniya tries to get the feel of the ball on his bat but misses.

19.2

1nb

No Ball! Naseem is guilty of overstepping and Sri Lanka have the first run of the day. Length ball outside off and Embuldeniya is not interested in it.

19.1

.

Naseem starts with a good length ball way outside off. Embuldeniya is happy to watch it go to the keeper. No movement in the first ball.

The Pakistan players are in a huddle with their skipper, Azhar Ali saying a few words of motivation before his boys take on the field. Overnight batsmen, Angelo Mathews and Lasith Embuldeniya walk out to resume their innings. The latter will be on strike. Naseem Shah to start the proceedings for the day.

The Pakistan players are all set to take on the field. Reminder it is a 10 minute early start and we will have an hour's Lunch break as it's Friday.

Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur is caught down for a quick chat with Roshan Abheysinghe. Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur says that he does not think that it was a good toss to lose. Tells it will be very difficult to bat in the fourth innings and he would have liked to bat first as well. Tells they have chance to bat well and take charge of the game. Says they are aware of how good Yasir Shah is and they will need to be careful. Adds they have good experienced players coming in and they need to be really good. On the surface, he says it is a good Test wicket which has runs in it but also says there is something for the bowlers in it.

Trail - 127. Wickets in hand - 7. That's where the visitors are at the start of this beautiful day in Karachi. Hello and welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The visitors are slightly on the front foot but will need to bat really well and try and get some significant lead in this bowler friendly wicket. They'd hope to avoid a collapse unlike their counterparts and get a further grip on this game. Pakistan, on the other hand, are well and truly in this game. They know a few early blows in the day will put the tourists under pressure and they would look to do just that. The pitch has turn and bounce on offer and we are yet to see Yasir Shah and anyone who has followed Pakistan's Test side in the recent past knows how lethal he can be. So the ball dominated the bat on Day 1 will the story continue or will it will be the chance of the willow to shine? What's in store? Stay tuned to find out.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

So clearly a day that belonged to the bowlers but what do we have in store on Day 2? The visitors trail by 127 runs, a glance at it and you'd feel that it is a small total but this pitch has demons of its own and it is not easy to score runs. Will it get tougher on Day 2? Join us on Friday at 1000 Local (0500 GMT), to know how this game pans out. Join us for Day 2. Till then, cheers!

After a watchful start with the bat, Pakistan did manage to make their mark with the ball. They needed wickets and they managed to get three including the big wicket of Dimuth Karunaratane. Only 3 pacers were used and Abbas was the pick of them picking up a couple while Shaheen had one. Giving the hosts a hope and chance of a fightback.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat but it was a decision that backfired as apart from Abid Ali, Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq none of the batters got into double figures. And from 127/3 they were wrapped up for just 191. The scorecard had some respectability courtesy of fifties from Babar and Asad.

What a day of cricket it was. It did not have runs but the bowlers have had a good day. 13 wickets have fallen in the day and that in itself tells the story. This match is evenly poised so far, Sri Lanka have their noses in front but only just.

18.6

3

Full delivery on off, Embuldeniya drives it uppishly through mid off. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 1!

18.5

.

Bowls a bouncer, Embuldeniya lets it sail through to the keeper.

18.4

.

On a good length on off, Embuldeniya blocks it off the back foot.

18.3

.

Full delivery on off, Lasith looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards slips on one bounce.

The light meter has been asked for and the third umpire hands it to the umpire. He keeps it in his pocket and the players will continue. In the meantime, Embuldeniya has a change of bats.

18.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Embuldeniya defends it off the front foot.

18.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Lasith looks to defend but misses it.

17.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Angelo defends it off the back foot.

17.5

.

BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery! On a good length and outside off, Mathews looks to defend but misses it.

17.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot.

17.3

.

On a good length on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot.

17.2

.

Outside off, Mathews offers no shot to this one.

17.1

.

On a length on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi is back on. 5-1-18-1 are his figures so far.

16.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Embuldeniya looks to defend but misses it.

16.5

.

Outside off, Lasith shoulders arms to this one.

16.4

.

Bowls a bouncer, Embuldeniya lets it sail through to the keeper.

16.3

.

On a good length on leg, Embuldeniya looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It lobs to short leg where he appeals for the catch but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show that it came off the pad.

Nighwatchman Lasith Embuldeniya walks out to bat next. He was brilliant with the ball today.

16.2

W

OUT! That is clean as a whistle! Mendis is out of here. Another stand which had started to build has been cut short. Exactly what Pakistan want, they need to keep picking wickets at regular intervals. Abbas is the breakthrough provider once again. He is rewarded for the second time to keep hitting the right lines and lengths. This is on a length again and on off, Mendis lunges forward to play the original trajectory but the ball moves away. Kisses the outside edge and goes low towards first slip where Sohail pouches it. The Pakistan players start celebrating but Mendis stands his ground. Umpires have a chat and then take it upstairs. SOFT SIGNAL IS OUT! Replays also suggest it is a clean catch. Can Pakistan take at least another before Stumps?

Have Pakistan got another? They surely feel so but Mendis is standing his ground. Umpires go upstairs to check if the catch is clean. Soft signal is OUT!

16.1

4

FOUR! Easy pickings for Kusal Mendis! Short and outside off, Mendis cuts it over point for a boundary.

15.6

.

Outside off, Mathews lets it go.

15.5

1

On a length on middle, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single.

15.4

1

Length delivery on middle, Angelo flicks it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.

15.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Mathews blocks it off the back foot.

15.2

.

Outside off, Mathews offers no shot to this one.

15.1

.

On a good length on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot.

15.1

5wd

FIVE WIDES! Bowls a bouncer down the leg side, Mathews ducks under it. It goes past Dickwella towards fine leg for a boundary.

14.6

.

Gets this one to angle into the batter, blocked.

14.5

.

That is a beauty! This is starts on off which means the batter has to play at it. Mendis looks to defend, the ball moves away and beats the outside edge.

14.4

.

Another one on middle, Mendis keeps it out nicely.

14.3

.

Outside off, not played at.

14.2

.

On off, it straightens a touch. Mendis looks to work it on the leg side with the angle but ends up getting a soft leading edge towards mid off.

14.1

.

On middle, defended nicely.

13.6

3

Three! A little too straight, Mendis looks to flick it through mid-wicket. The bat turns in his hand as he connects with the ball. Still gets three. Fifty up for the Lankans.

13.5

.

The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.

13.4

1

Very full and on middle, Mathews pushes it to mid off for one.

13.3

1

Wristy! On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

13.2

.

The bowler goes wide of the crease and it is angled into the middle pole, blocked.

13.1

.

A good short one but it is spotted early. Mendis evades it.

12.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Mathews defends it off the back foot.

12.5

4

FOUR! On a good length on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.

12.4

2

Length delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

12.3

.

On a good length on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot.

Angelo Mathews is the new man in.

12.2

W

OUT! Chops it on! Abbas strikes! The Lankan captain departs, a big wicket as Karunaratne is capable of playing long innings. A poor shot this to be honest! This is shorter and just outside off, not enough room to play this shot. Karunaratne still looks to cut but gets a bottom edge which shatters the stumps behind. He trudges off slowly as the Pakistan players celebrate. They need to keep picking wickets at regular intervals. Sri Lanka trail by 152.

12.1

.

Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one.

11.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Mendis defends it off the back foot.

11.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

11.4

.

On a good length on middle, Dimuth keeps it out.

11.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Karunaratne blocks it off the back foot.

11.2

.

Bowls a bouncer, Dimuth does well to duck under it.

11.1

1

On a length on middle, Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

10.6

.

Outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone.

10.5

.

Full delivery on off, Karunaratne drives it to mid off.

10.4

.

Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one.

10.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Karunaratne plays it to point.

10.2

1

Length delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it through square leg for a run.

10.1

.

On a good length on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.

Mohammad Abbas is back on.

9.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot.

9.5

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Karunaratne looks to defend but misses it.

9.4

.

Length delivery on off, Karunaratne taps it to point.

9.3

.

Outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone.

9.2

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dimuth looks to defend but misses it.

9.1

4

FOUR! Classic shot. Full delivery outside off, Karunaratne drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.

8.6

.

On a good length on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot.

8.5

.

Outside off, Kusal shoulders arms to this one.

8.4

2

Short of a length delivery, Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

8.3

.

Bowls it wide outside off, Mendis lets it go.

8.2

1

Length delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through square leg for a run.

8.1

.

On a good length on leg, Karunaratne looks to flick but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

7.6

.

Outside off, Mendis lets it go.

7.5

1

On a length on middle, Dimuth flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

7.4

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Karunaratne looks to cut but misses it.

7.3

.

Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one.

7.2

.

Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Karunaratne looks to drive but misses it.

7.1

.

On a good length on off, Karunaratne defends it to covers.

Naseem Shah is into the attack.

6.6

.

Full on off, KM pushes it to mid off to get through the over. A very good over from Shaheen. Has provided the hosts with the early breakthrough they were looking for.

6.5

.

Way wide outside off, Mendis is not interested.

6.4

.

Good length ball on middle and off, Mendis looks to block with a slant bat but the ball moves in and hits the pads off the inside edge.

6.3

.

On off, Mendis starts his innings with a good, solid front foot defense.

Kusal Mendis is the next batsman in.

6.2

W

OUT! Caught! Great use of the review from Pakistan. They knew there was an edge. They were adamant about it and the Ultra Edge is in agreement with them. Good bowling this but the route taken by Oshada is not the smartest one. Fuller outside off, Shaeen wants Oshada to go for the drive and Oshada falls in the trap. The ball goes past the outside edge and straight into the gloves of Rizwan. He is up and cheering. The fielders from slip cordon are also sure that they have their man. They look at the umpire but he is unmoved. They take it upstairs. Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows a spike as the ball goes past the bat.

Is there an edge there? Pakistan are very confident but the umpire shakes his head. It is reviewed.

6.1

.

Good length delivery outside off, Fernando looks to play at it but decides to leave it at the last moment.

5.6

2

On a length on middle, Dimuth flicks it through square leg. Two runs taken.

5.5

4

FOUR! Lovely shot! Fuller on off, Karunaratne keeps his balance and his head straight and plays a lovely looking straight drive for a boundary.

5.4

.

Length delivery on off, Dimuth taps it to point.

5.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Karunaratne blocks it off the back foot.

5.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Oshada flicks it through square leg for a single.

5.1

.

On a good length on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

4.6

2

Full delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.

4.5

.

On a good length on middle, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot.

4.4

.

Length delivery on off, Karunaratne taps it to point.

4.3

.

On a good length on middle, Dimuth defends it off the front foot.

4.2

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Full delivery outside off, Karunaratne drives it through point for a boundary.

4.1

.

On a good length on off, Karunaratne blocks it off the back foot.

3.6

.

On a good length on middle, Fernando defends it off the back foot.

3.5

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Fernando looks to defend but misses it.

3.4

.

On a good length on off, Oshada defends it off the back foot.

3.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Fernando defends it out.

3.2

.

Outside off, Oshada shoulders arms to this one.

3.1

.

On a good length on middle, Fernando defends it to mid-wicket.

2.6

2

Full delivery on off, Dimuth drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.

2.5

.

Outside off, Karunaratne offers no shot to this one.

2.4

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dimuth looks to defend but misses it.

2.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Karunaratne defends it out.

2.2

4

FOUR! On a good length and outside off, Karunaratne looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes over first slip towards third man for a boundary.

2.1

1lb

On a good length on leg, Fernando looks to flick but misses it and gets hit on the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

1.6

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Dimuth looks to defend but misses it.

1.5

.

Length delivery on off, Karunaratne punches it to point.

1.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot.

1.3

1lb

On a good length on leg, Oshada looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

1.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Fernando defends it off the back foot.

1.1

.

On a good length on off, Fernando defends it off the front foot.

Mohammad Abbas to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Outside off, Dimuth offers no shot to this one.

0.5

1

On a good length on off, Fernando plays it towards the off side for a run.

0.4

2

Full delivery on middle, Fernando drives it past the bowler through mid on. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.

0.3

.

On a good length on off, Fernando plays it to mid off.

0.2

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Sri Lanka are off the mark courtesy of some wild swing and delivery from Shaheen. Its pitched around leg Fernando looks to flick but the ball kisses his pads anf and goes away from the keeper down the leg side. Rizwan dives to his left but has no chance of stopping that from going to the fence.

0.1

.

Action straightaway! Afridi starts with a full delivery on leg, Fernando looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

The wicket is not very easy, there is some assistance for the bowlers and Pakistan do have dynamic bowling attack. Can they do what the Lankan bowlers did or will the visitors continue to dominate? Stay tuned to find out in a while.

The Sri Lankan coach and captain could not have asked anything better from their bowlers. It was Vishwa Fernando who started things off and then Lahiru Kumara and Lasith Embuldeniya took over. Both finished with 4-fers. The former bowled with pace and got it to nip around and the latter bowled the right pace, got it to turn and both were rewarded. The bowlers will feel their job is done and it is now time for the batters to capitalize.

Pakistan on the other hand, will be very disappointed with how things went out after they elected to bat. Right from the morning session they were probably on the back foot. They lost two early wickets, then there were two 50-plus run stands for wicket 3 and 4 but both could not go on to something significant. Once Azam fell, the procession started. They failed to cross the 200-run mark after being 127 for 3. Just the three batters scoring in double digits out of the 11 is always a sorry scorecard.

What an effort by the Lankans after the break! What an effort by the Lankans overall. High-fives between their players and all smiles for them at the moment as they will be extremely pleased with how things stand at the moment.

59.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! That's the end of a very timid show with the bat from Pakistan. Embuldeniya gets his fourth. Floated delivery on off, Afridi comes down the track and lofts it over mid off but does not get the timing on it. It goes towards Angelo Mathews who runs backwards from mid off and takes a good catch. From 127/3 PAKISTAN ARE ALL OUT FOR 191!

59.2

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Tossed up delivery on middle, Afridi plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a boundary.

59.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Afridi defends it off the back foot.

58.6

1

Full delivery on middle, Afridi flicks it through square leg for a single.

58.5

.

Short delivery outside off, Shaheen looks to cut but misses it.

58.4

.

Full delivery on off, Afridi plays it towards mid off.

58.3

.

On a good length on off, Afridi plays it to point.

58.2

1

Full delivery on off, Naseem plays it towards covers for a single.

Naseem Shah is the last man in.

58.1

W

OUT! TAKEN! Lahiru Kumara has got the last recognized batter, the well set Asad Shafiq. His 4th wicket and Pakistan are nine down and there are still 15 more runs for them to get to 200. It is banged short and on the body, Asad looks to help it on its way but gets a top edge. It goes high in the air towards fine leg where Fernando runs in a little and takes it easily. 5 balls Kumara has in this over to get the fifer.

57.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Afridi tucks it to mid-wicket.

57.5

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Asad flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

57.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the front foot.

57.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it out.

57.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Asad keeps it out.

57.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Shafiq defends it off the front foot.

56.6

1

Short delivery on middle, Shafiq pulls it through square leg for a run.

56.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it back towards the bowler.

56.4

.

On a good length on off, Asad blocks it well.

56.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it back towards the bowler.

56.2

2

Short delivery outside off, Shafiq cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.

56.1

2

Full delivery on middle, Shafiq flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs.

55.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Afridi defends it off the front foot.

Shaheen Afridi is the new man in.

55.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Embuldeniya gets his third wicket. Flighted delivery on middle, Abbas looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where Dhananjaya de Silva takes a good catch.

55.4

1

A full toss on off, it is hit down to long off for one.

55.3

.

Angled on the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket.

55.2

.

One more floated delivery on middle, solidly blocked.

55.1

.

Tosses it up on middle, defended.

54.6

.

On a good length on leg, Abbas looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

54.5

.

On a good length on off, Abbas defends it off the front foot.

54.4

1

On a length and outside off, Shafiq pushes it towards covers for a run.

54.3

.

Length delivery on middle, Shafiq nudges it towards the leg side.

54.2

.

Bowls a bouncer, Shafiq does well to duck under it.

54.1

4

FOUR! Brilliant shot! Full delivery outside off, Shafiq drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.

53.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Abbas looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

53.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Abbas defends it out.

53.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Abbas blocks it off the front foot.

53.3

1

Short delivery on off, Shafiq cuts it towards point for a run.

53.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Asad defends it off the front foot.

53.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Shafiq drives it to mid off.

Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl from the other end.

52.6

.

A bumper to end! Abbas ducks under it. End of a brilliant over by Kumara. The Lankans could not have had a better start after the break. Just the run and two wickets from it.

52.5

.

NOT OUT! That is a waste of a review to be honest! It is not only going down leg but also too high. Sri Lanka lose a review. This is shorter in length and on the pads. Abbas fails to put bat on ball and is hit high on the pads. Dickwella makes a huge appeal and Kumara joins in late. The umpire shakes his head. The keeper wants his captain to review and he does so. Replays show the on-field call is the right one. Dickwella probably got a little too excited with all the wickets falling. He needs to calm down a little as that never looked out.

It is all happening out there! Sri Lanka review now as an appeal for an LBW has been turned down. Dickwella wants it to be reviewed and he does so. Looks to be going down leg.

52.4

.

OHHH! top, top hat-trick delivery but equally well played. A very full ball and on off, Abbas jams it out nicely.

Hat-trick ball and it will be Mohammad Abbas who will be in the firing line. Can he somehow manage to see it off? Kumara is bowling flames here.

52.3

W

OUT! LBW! That is plumb in front. What a delivery to bowl to the no. 8 batter. Too good for someone who does not have a big reputation with the bat. Extremely full and on off, Yasir Shah plants his front foot across, he looks to flick but misses and is trapped in front. Up goes the finger immediately as the Lankans start appealing. Kumara on a hat-trick. Asad Shafiq continues to watch wickets falling at the other end. Pakistan in big, big trouble now.

Yasir Shah, the batsman joins Asad Shafiq out in the middle. Do not doubt his capability with the bat. He was one of the shining spots with the bat in Pakistan's recently concluded tour of Australia.

52.2

W

OUT! KABOOM! Right through the defense and Rizwan is knocked over. Sri Lanka continue from where they left off before the break. That is another excellent delivery. It lands just outside off and it is on a length. It jags back in sharply. Rizwan prods forward to defend but does so outside the line. The ball sneaks between the gap of bat and pad and hits the top of middle. Another one bites the dust and Sri Lanka into the bowling-all rounders now. Pakistan have a good chance to keep the hosts under 200.

52.1

1

And Shafiq gets to his fifty as he gets a single on the very first ball of this session! On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one. He has held fort at one end and he needs to continue. Needs someone to support him though.

We are back for the final session! 37 overs to go so we are in for a long one. Rizwan and Shafiq will continue their innings. Lahiru Kumara to bowl the first over after the break. Here we go...

... Day 1, Session 3 ...

What a final hour of the session for the visitors. Pakistan were on top in the first half of the session with Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq taking the charge. Babar looked very strong and got to his fifty but drinks brought in a lapse of concentration for him as soon after he was stumped. The Sri Lankan spinners then started to take charge. They put brakes on the run flow. Haris struggled and just before the end of the session his struggles came to an end. Asad Shafiq is still there unbeaten on 49 and the onus will be on him to bat with the lower order. Lasith Embuldeniya was the star of the session getting both the scalp for the tourists. One would feel it was an even session but Sri Lanka will be the happier of the two sides. What is in store in the final session of the day? Join us after the break to find out.

51.6

4

FOUR! Ends the session with a boundary. Floated delivery on middle, Rizwan plays a sweep towards fine leg for a boundary and gets off the mark in style. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1!

Mohammad Rizwan is the next batsman in.

51.5

W

OUT! No bat and three reds! Pakistan lose both their reviews. No. 5 goes down on the stroke of Tea. Haris Sohail's struggle comes to an end. Pakistan in some trouble here. Embuldeniya tosses it up around off, Haris Sohail lunges forward and looks to defend but does not account for the turn. It spins back in sharply and brushes the front pad and then the back. A huge shout and up goes the finger. Sohail reviews just in the nick of time after having a chat with his partner. Time for the replays and it shows the on-field call is the right one.

A huge shout and up goes the finger! Sohail has been given out LBW. He reviews though. Looks out if there ain't an inside edge.

51.4

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Shafiq drives it through mid off for a single.

51.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the front foot.

51.2

.

Slower through the air and on middle, Shafiq prods forward and keeps it out again.

51.1

.

Floats it up on middle, Shafiq lunges and keeps it out.

50.6

.

On a good length on middle, Sohail looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

50.5

.

Bowls a bumper, Sohail watches it sail through to the keeper.

50.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Sohail defends it off the back foot.

50.3

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Sohail looks to defend but misses it.

50.2

.

On a good length on middle, Sohail defends it off the back foot.

50.1

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Sohail lets it sail through to the keeper.

49.6

4

FOUR! This is good batting from Asad. Short delivery outside off, Shafiq cuts it through point for a boundary.

49.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq blocks it well.

49.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

49.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Shafiq keeps it out.

49.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Asad blocks it off the front foot.

49.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

48.6

.

On a good length and outside off, Sohail looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards second slip in one bounce.

48.5

3

Full delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it through mid on. The fielder chases it, slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

48.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Asad blocks it off the front foot.

48.3

.

On a good length on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

48.2

1

Length delivery on middle, Sohail flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

48.1

.

Bowls a bouncer outside leg, Sohail does well to duck under it.

Lahiru Kumara is back on. 12-4-32-1 are his figures so far.

47.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Asad blocks it off the front foot.

47.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it out.

47.4

.

Floated delivery on off, Shafiq defends it off the front foot.

47.3

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot. Shorty outside off, Asad waits and waits and waits and then he plays the late cut excellently through the backward point fence for a boundary. Not an easy shot to play but boy he has made it look so easy.

47.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

47.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Shafiq plays it to point.

46.6

.

Floated delivery on middle, Sohail defends it off the back foot.

46.5

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq nudges it towards square leg for a run.

46.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Shafiq defends it off the front foot.

46.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Asad drives it to mid on.

46.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Shafiq drives it towards mid off.

46.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq flicks it to mid-wicket.

45.6

.

Full again on middle, Sohail drives it to mid on.

45.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Sohail drives it to mid on.

45.4

4b

FOUR BYES! Bowls it down the leg side, Sohail looks to flick but misses it. It goes past the keeper towards fine leg for a boundary.

45.3

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Sohail offers no shot to this one.

45.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Sohail blocks it off the front foot.

45.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Sohail defends it off the front foot.

44.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it to mid on.

44.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Shafiq punches it to point.

44.4

4

FOUR! Smartly played. Floated around off, Asad gets down on one knee and paddles it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

44.3

1

Full delivery on off, Sohail drives it through covers for a single.

44.2

.

Outside off, Haris leaves it alone.

44.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Sohail defends it off the back foot.

43.6

1

Darted on the pads, Sohail follows the biggie with a glance towards square leg for a single. He keeps the strike.

43.5

6

SIX! Haris is off the mark in swome style. Tossed up on middle and leg, Haris comes down the track and lofts it over the long on fence for a biggie.

43.4

1

Flighted on off, AS pushes it to cover for one. Smart batting follows the boundary with a single.

43.3

4

FOUR! Nice way to put off the spinner. Flighted on off, Asad gets down on one knee and sweeps it through mid-wicket for a boundary. They needed that as the spinners are slowly getting the grip of this game.

43.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq blocks it off the front foot.

43.1

.

Full delivery on off, Shafiq drives it to covers.

42.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Sohail keeps it out.

42.5

.

Full delivery on off, Haris drives it to mid off.

42.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Sohail blocks it off the back foot.

42.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it through mid on for a single.

42.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Shafiq blocks it off the front foot.

42.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq flicks it to mid-wicket.

41.6

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Sohail looks to defend but misses it.

41.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Sohail drives it to mid on.

41.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Sohail keeps it out.

41.3

1

Floated delivery on off, Shafiq plays it towards covers for a run.

41.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

41.1

1lb

Flighted delivery on middle, Sohail looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.

40.6

.

On a length on leg, Shafiq looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards Dickwella who appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.

40.5

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Shafiq offers no shot to this one.

40.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Asad blocks it off the back foot.

40.3

.

On a good length on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

40.2

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Shafiq looks to flick but misses it.

40.1

2

Length delivery on off, Shafiq taps it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.

39.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Sohail offers a forward defense on this one.

Haris Sohail is the new man in.

39.5

W

OUT! Stumped! Karunaratne called Embuldeniya to provide him with the breakthrough and he has done just that. He has got the big fish here. Brilliant bowling this from Lasith. Gives this air on off, the ball turns and bounces away from Babar. Azam tries to come down the track and defend it but gets beaten. Dickwella behind the stumps does the rest as Babar was too far down the track. Maybe the break brought in a lapse of concentration here for the ever focused Babar.

39.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Babar defends it off the front foot.

39.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Azam keeps it out.

39.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Babar defends it off the back foot.

39.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Azam defends it off the front foot.

Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl after the break. He has made some odd balls spin but has not been able to get into the wickets column. His skipper wants him to provide the breakthrough. Can he deliver? 10-1-38-0, his figures so far.

Drinks Break! Brilliant hour or so of session for Pakistan. Babar has got to his fifty and he is looking very good out in the middle. Asad Shafiq too has found his feet and the pair has managed to put up a very good stand. Sri Lanka have looked a bit jaded and out of ideas. They need to find a way to get the breakthrough.

38.6

.

Outside off, Shafiq leaves it alone.

38.5

2

Full delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it through mid on. The batsmen pick up a couple.

38.4

1

Length delivery on off, Azam plays it towards point for a single.

38.3

.

Short delivery outside off, Babar looks to pull but misses it.

38.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Azam drives it to mid on.

38.1

1

Length delivery on off, Shafiq pushes it towards point for a run.

37.6

4

FOUR! Good shot. Tossed up delivery on off, Babar punches it through point for a boundary.

37.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Azam comes down the track and blocks it.

37.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Azam keeps it out.

37.3

1

Floated delivery on off, Asad comes down the track and plays it towards mid on for a run.

37.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

37.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Azam flicks it through square leg for a single.

36.6

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Shafiq does well to dig it out.

36.5

.

On a good length on off, Shafiq defends it off the front foot.

36.4

1

On a length on off, Azam drives it through point. The batsmen take a run.

36.3

1

Full delivery on off, Asad drives it towards mid off for a run.

36.2

.

Outside off, Asad leaves it alone.

36.1

.

On a good length on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

35.6

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it through mid on. The batsmen take a run. 50-run stand is up between Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam.

35.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Azam drives it towards mid on for a single.

35.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Azam blocks it off the front foot.

35.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Azam flicks it to mid-wicket.

35.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Azam defends it off the front foot.

35.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it towards mid on for a run.

34.6

.

Outside off, Azam leaves it alone.

34.5

.

Full delivery outside off, Azam drives it to covers.

34.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Babar drives it to mid on.

34.3

1

Length delivery outside off, Shafiq slaps it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.

34.2

.

Outside off again, Shafiq shoulders arms to this one.

34.1

.

Outside off, Shafiq offers no shot to this one.

33.6

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Shafiq comes down the track and drives it towards long on for a single.

33.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Shafiq blocks it off the front foot.

33.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Asad defends it off the back foot.

33.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it back towards the bowler.

33.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it to mid on.

33.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Azam pushes it through mid on for a single.

32.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

32.5

.

On a good length and outside off, Shafiq lets it go.

32.4

.

Outside off again, Asad leaves it alone.

32.3

.

Outside off, Shafiq offers no shot to this one.

32.2

.

Length delivery on off, Shafiq punches it to point.

32.1

4

FOUR! Not a welcome Vishwa would have wanted. Back of a length on off, Asad is quick to get on his back foot and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Vishwa Fernando is back on. 8-3-18-2 are his figures so far.

31.6

4

FOUR! Another fifty for Babar Azam. Jeez this guy is some player. He has looked so good out in the middle and he brings up his fifty in style. Short outside off, Babar transfers his weight on his back foot and then cuts it through point to get to his 13th Test fifty. Time to put it back to 12 and convert this into 4th Test ton?

31.5

.

The batsman has driven that ball straight back.

31.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it through mid on for a run.

31.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Shafiq looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards slip in one bounce.

31.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq flicks it towards the leg side.

31.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Shafiq drives it back towards the bowler.

Dilruwan Perera is into the attack.

30.6

.

Outside off, Azam offers no shot to this one.

30.5

2

Full delivery on middle, Azam flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs. Brings up the 100 for the hosts.

30.4

4

FOUR! Another smart shot from Babar. He is oozing confidence. Good length ball outside off, Babar waits and then cuts it through point for a boundary.

30.3

.

On a good length on middle, Azam defends it off the front foot.

30.2

3

Length delivery on off, Shafiq taps it through point. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get three runs.

30.1

.

On a good length on off, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

29.6

2

Flighted delivery on middle, Azam flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

29.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Azam looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

29.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Azam defends it off the back foot.

29.3

6

SIX! Don't bother looking that has gone over the ropes with ease. Excellent use of the feet from Asad. This is a pressure releasing shot from him. Floated on middle, Asad comes down the track, maintains his balance and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

29.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Azam plays it to point.

29.1

1

Flighted delivery on off, Shafiq punches it through point for a run.

28.6

.

Bowls a bumper again, Azam watches it sail through to the keeper.

28.5

.

Bowls a bouncer, Azam ducks under it.

28.4

.

Full delivery on off, Azam drives it to mid off.

28.3

.

In the air and ... Babar survies! Typical fast bowler's response but a very well directed one as well. Back of a length ball around the body. The ball shoots up onto the batsman. Babar puts his bat to defend his face. The ball takes the top edge and lobs up in the air. The bowler tries his bets to the get there but it falls away from him in no man's land.

28.2

4

FOUR! First boundary of the session and what a crunching shot it is. Full outside off, Babar gets on his front foot and slams his drive through point for a boundary.

28.1

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Azam lets it sail through to the keeper.

27.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Asad plays it to point.

27.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it out.

27.4

1

Full delivery on off, Azam drives it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.

27.3

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Shafiq flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

27.2

.

Floated delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

27.1

1

Full toss on middle, Azam comes down the track and drives it towards mid on. The fielder does well to stop it. The batsmen take a single.

26.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it to mid on.

26.5

.

On a good length on off, Shafiq defends it off the front foot.

26.4

.

On a good length on middle, Shafiq keeps it out.

26.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Shafiq looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show that there was a clear inside edge on this one.

26.2

.

On a good length on off, Shafiq defends it off the front foot.

26.1

.

What a beautiful ball. That cut Asad Shafiq in half. Pacy and coming in from outside off. Asad looks to defend but the ball goes right between his bat and pad and over the stumps. Dickwella does really well diving to his left. It was going away from him.

25.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Azam defends it off the back foot.

25.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Azam comes down the track and drives it back towards the bowler.

25.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Azam defends it off the back foot.

25.3

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Azam defends it off the front foot.

25.2

3

Flighted delivery on off, Shafiq punches it through point. The fielder chases it, slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.

25.1

.

Floated delivery on off, Shafiq blocks it well.

Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl from the other end.

24.6

.

Length delivery around off, Babar looks to play it on the off side but it goes straight off the inner half of the bat. Maiden to start the second session.

24.5

.

Good length ball on off, Babar defends it with a straight bat.

24.4

.

Full and swinging in on off. Azam pushes it to mid off.

24.3

.

A very low full toss on off, Babar pushes it to mid off. First ball he has hit in this session and it has come closer to the middle so solid start.

24.2

.

Length delivery outside off, Azam shoulders arms to it.

24.1

.

Kumara starts with a good length ball outside off. Babar starts the session with calmness as he does not disturb this one.

We are back for the second session. The Sri Lankan players are out in the middle. Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq will resume their innings for Pakistan. Lahiru Kumara will start the proceedings for the second session.

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

Brilliant session for the visitors. They have been excellent with the cherry in hand. The pacers have been good. They started off bowling tight line and lengths and Vishwa Fernando was the first one to draw first blood. His double-wicket scalp put them on the front foot early on. Abid Ali and Babar Azam then continued from where they left off at Rawalpindi but after getting off to a start Abid failed to convert it this time as Lahiru Kumara got rid of him just about 12 minutes before the break. Asad Shafiq has joined Babar Azam who has looked good so far for his 27. Can the duo take the charge in the second session and put the hosts on the front foot or will Sri Lanka continue to impress?

23.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the front foot. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!

23.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Asad blocks it off the front foot.

23.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it out.

23.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Shafiq blocks it well.

23.2

1

Flighted delivery on off, Azam punches it through point for a run.

23.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Azam defends it out.

22.6

.

On a good length on middle, Shafiq blocks it well.

22.5

3

On a length and outside off, Azam punches it through covers. Embuldeniya tries to stop it but fumbles. The batsmen get three runs.

22.4

1

Length delivery on middle, Shafiq flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick run.

22.3

.

On a good length on off, Shafiq defends it to covers.

22.2

.

Outside off, Shafiq shoulders arms to this one.

22.1

1

In the air but safe. Babar is lucky to survive this. Excellent short ball from Lahiru. It is pacy and well directed. On the body, Babar is late to get his bat up. He ends up playing a very awkward flick to the short one. He ends up chipping it to the vacant area at mid-wicket and gets a single. Very good from Lahiru to surprise BA.

21.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

21.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Shafiq defends it off the back foot.

21.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Shafiq blocks it off the front foot.

21.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Shafiq drives it uppishly towards the bowler where it falls just short of Embuldeniya.

21.2

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Azam comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.

21.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Azam defends it off the front foot.

20.6

.

On the pads, Asad flicks it to mid-wicket to get through the over. Successful over for Sri Lanka.

20.5

.

Back of a length on off, Shafiq this time blocks it off his back foot.

20.4

.

Full on middle, Asad pushes it to mid on to start his innings.

Asad Shafiq walks out to bat next.

20.3

W

OUT! LBW! Pakistan don't just lose a big wicket but they also lose one of their reviews. This is a body blow for them. The budding stand has been cut short and this time Abid cannot convert his start. He survived an inswinging delivery early in this over but this time his luck has ran out. Very good ball this from Kumara. Fast and swinging in from around off. Abid looks to defend but misses and the ball hits him on the front pad. There is a huge appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Abid has a word with Babar, they discuss for a while and then in the dying seconds he signals the 'T'. Replay rolls in and Ultra Edge first shows no involvement of bat. Ball Tracker then comes up next and it shows all red as the ball was hitting the middle stump. Crucial wicket for the visitors, Abid was looking very good out in the middle and one would feel this wicket has come against the run of play.

Last second review from Abid. He has beem adjudged LBW. It looks plumb to the naked eye but let's see what the replays have to say.

20.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Abid drives it towards mid on.

20.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Ali looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show that there was a clear inside edge on this one.

19.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Azam comes down the track and blocks it.

19.5

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Ali flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

19.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Azam nudges it towards square leg for a run.

19.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Azam punches it to point.

19.2

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Ali sweeps it through square leg. The batsmen take a run.

19.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Ali defends it off the front foot.

18.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Azam blocks it off the front foot.

18.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Azam drives it towards mid on.

18.4

.

On a good length on off, Azam defends it off the front foot.

18.3

.

Full again and outside off, Azam drives it to point.

18.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Azam flicks it to mid on.

18.1

4

FOUR! Babar brings up the 50-run stand up in style. Slightly overpitched on off. Babar does not need much to go wrong for him to make the bowler's punish. He creams it through covers and holds the pose for the camera.

17.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Ali defends it off the back foot.

17.5

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Abid looks to defend but misses it.

17.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

17.3

1

Tossed up delivery on off, Azam looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards point. The batsmen take a single.

17.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Azam defends it off the front foot.

17.1

4

FOUR! Easy pickings this for a man of Babar's caliber. Short outside off, Babar gets on his back foot and creams his punch through covers for a boundary.

16.6

.

Length delivery on middle, Abid flicks it to mid-wicket.

16.5

.

On a length and outside off, Ali plays it to point.

16.4

1

Length delivery on off, Azam taps it towards point for a run.

16.3

.

Again outside off, Babar offers no shot to this one.

16.2

.

On a good length on off, Azam keeps it out.

16.1

.

Outside off, Babar leaves it alone.

Lahiru Kumara is back on. 4-1-9-0 are his figures so far.

15.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Ali defends it off the back foot.

15.5

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Flighted delivery on middle and leg, Abid sweeps it towards fine leg for a boundary.

15.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Ali blocks it off the back foot.

15.3

1

Floated delivery on off, Azam punches it through point. The batsmen cross ends.

15.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Azam comes down the track and blocks it.

15.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Azam defends it off the front foot.

14.6

.

Outside off, Abid offers no shot to this one.

14.5

1

Full delivery outside off, Azam drives it towards covers for a run.

14.4

.

Outside off, Azam shoulders arms to this one.

14.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Azam blocks it off the front foot.

14.2

.

Outside off, Babar leaves it alone.

14.1

.

On a good length on middle, Azam blocks it off the back foot.

13.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Ali blocks it off the front foot.

13.5

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Abid looks to defend but misses it due to the turn on this one.

13.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Abid blocks it off the front foot.

13.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

13.2

.

BEATEN! Flighted delivery just outside off, Abid looks to defend but misses it.

13.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Abid plays it to point.

12.6

.

BEATEN! Full delivery outside off, Azam looks to drive but misses it.

12.5

.

On a good length and outside off, Azam shoulders arms to this one.

12.4

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Azam looks to flick but misses it.

12.3

4

FOUR! Nicely played. A little too full on off, Babar waits and then just squeezes it through the gap past gully for a boundary. This is the class of this man. Did not play this shot with power but with just timing and sense. Runs starting to flow here for Pakistan.

12.2

.

On a good length on off, Azam defends it off the back foot.

12.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Babar drives it towards mid off.

11.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Ali defends it off the front foot.

11.5

.

Floated delivery on off, Abid plays it to covers.

11.4

.

BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery! Flighted delivery just outside off, Abid looks to defend but misses it due to the spin on this one.

11.3

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Abid defends it off the front foot.

11.2

4

FOUR! Short, wide and punished. Poor start from Embuldeniya. He offers width outside off, Abid quickly gets on his back foot and cuts it through point once again for a boundary. He is super strong in that area and will punish you 9/10 times.

11.1

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short delivery outside off, Ali cuts it hard through point for a boundary.

Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack.

Drinks Break! It has been an excellent hour for Sri Lanka. They have kept it tight and have picked two wickets. Vishwa Fernando has looked superb in the morning. On the other hand, the hosts would hope that Babar Azam and Abid Ali can once again play a similar knock to which they played in Rawalpindi.

10.6

.

NOT OUT! Good use of the review. A full toss from Vishwa around leg. Babar looks to flick but misses and the ball hits him on the pads. The Sri Lankan players go up in a confident appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Babar does not even consult his partner and straightaway signals the 'T'. Replay rolls in and Ultra Edge shows spike as the ball goes past the bat. The on-field umpire will have to overturn his decision. The fans in here take a sigh of relief as their talisman survives.

Big moment in the game. Babar Azam has been adjudged LBW but he has referred it straightaway which indicates there must be some bat involved. Let's see what the replays have to say. Ultra Edge shows spike and Babar survives to the relief of all the fans in Pakistan.

10.5

1

Length delivery on middle, Abid flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.

10.4

.

Outside off, Ali leaves it alone.

10.3

.

Outside off, Ali offers no shot to this one.

10.2

4

FOUR! That is put away! Length delivery outside off, Abid punches it through covers for a boundary.

10.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Ali taps it to point.

9.6

1

On a length on middle, Abid flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

9.5

6

SIX! Poor ball this. Half tracker on off and middle. Abid will punish it even in his sleep and he pulls it over the mid-wicket fence for a the first biggie of the game.

9.4

.

On a good length on middle, Abid defends it off the back foot.

9.3

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Length delivery on off, Ali slaps it through covers for a boundary.

9.2

.

Good length delivery on middle, Ali blocks it off the back foot.

9.1

.

On a good length on off, Abid defends it off the front foot.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne is into the attack. Looks like maybe it is for a change of ends for someone or there is an elaborate plan because you seldom see someone coming on so early for change of ends. Let's see what the Lankan skipper can offer with the ball.

8.6

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Babar looks to flick but misses it.

8.5

.

On the stumps, Babar defends it with a dead bat.

8.4

.

Excitement from the keeper but not so much from Dickwella. Another one down the leg side, Azam looks to flick but there is two noises. Dickwella dives to his left and catches it. There is an appeal but the umpire turns it down. Replays later on show that the bat hit the pad and the ball kissed the pad.

8.3

.

On a good length on middle, Azam blocks it off the front foot.

8.2

4

FOUR! Babar is off the mark with a boundary. Poor ball this. On the pads, Azam just tickles it fine down the leg side and fetches himself a boundary.

8.1

.

Full delivery down the leg side, Azam looks to flick but misses it. It goes towards the keeper safely.

7.6

.

On a good length on off, Abid blocks it off the front foot.

7.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Ali drives it back towards the bowler and Kumara picks the ball and hits the stumps at the striker's end in his followthrough. But Abid Ali was well in.

7.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Ali blocks it off the back foot.

7.3

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot this. Good length ball around off, Abid gets on his back foot and punches it gorgeously through covers for a boundary. He is continuing from where he left off in Rawalpindi.

7.2

.

Bowls a bouncer outside leg, Abid does well to duck under it.

7.1

.

On a good length on off, Abid offers a solid defense on this one.

6.6

.

Another length ball outside off and Babar calmly shoulders arms to it. End of a terrific over from Vishwa. Double wicket maiden.

6.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Azam leaves it alone.

6.4

.

One bad ball. After two gems this can be let go. Down the leg side, Babar looks to flick but misses.

The centurion from the last game, Babar Azam joins Abid Ali out in the middle.

6.3

W

OUT! Bowled! Another gem and what an over this is turning out to be. Right through the gate. Vishwa is bowling venom here. Good length ball on off, it comes in to the right-hander. Azhar Ali looks to defend but the ball goes right between the gate of bat and pads to dislodge the off stump. Azhar Ali's poor 2019 continues and the misery piles on him. A silver duck for the skipper. Wicket, dot, wicket. What an over this is turning out to be.

6.2

.

The Pakistan Test skipper starts his innings with a calm leave to begin his innings.

Azhar Ali, the skipper, is the new batsman in.

6.1

W

OUT! Bowled! Beauty of a delivery! WOW! That is every pace bowler's dream delivery. Too good for Shan Masood. Vishwa charges in and shows good seam position. The ball hits the surface and shapes away at the end. Masood looks to defend but gets squared up and the ball hits the top of off pole. Cracker of a delivery to begin the over and Shan's poor series continues. You can watch this delivery on loop and you will never get bored. Shan Masood will not want to watch it though.

5.6

.

On a good length on off, Abid keeps it out.

5.5

.

On a good length on middle, Abid blocks it off the back foot.

5.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Abid defends it off the front foot.

5.3

.

On a good length on middle, Abid blocks it well.

5.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Ali defends it off the back foot.

5.1

1

On a good length on off, Masood punches it towards point. The batsmen take a run.

4.6

.

Wild delivery way outside off. Abid leaves it alone.

4.5

4

FOUR! After a long time Abid Ali is off the mark. Good length ball outside off, Abid cuts it over point and gets off the mark with a boundary. Shot of a man in form.

4.4

.

Good length ball on middle and off, Abid defends it to the right of the bowler.

4.3

.

Finally Vishwa delivers and bowls it on a length on off. Abid defends it towards point.

Once again Abid pulls out of his stride as Vishwa comes charging in. There are fans sitting there which has caused Abid to lose his focus. The umpire has gone near the ropes and he is having a word there.

There is an issue with the sightscreen and hence there is a delay.

4.2

.

Closer to the off pole but still outside so Shan leaves it alone.

4.1

.

Good length ball outside off, it goes away with the angle. Abid does not go chasing after it and lets it carry to the keeper.

3.6

.

Full on off, Masood defends it with a straight bat towards mid on.

3.5

.

On the fourth stump line, SM shoulders arms to it.

3.4

.

Length ball on off, Masood defends it towards point and shouts a loud no.

3.3

.

Short ball outside off, Masood ducks away.

3.2

4

EDGED AND FOUR! First runs off the bat and it has come in a streaky way. First runs in Test cricket in Pakistan for Shan Masood. Beautiful ball this. Good length ball, on the channel of uncertainty. Shan looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes right in the gap between third slip and gully to the fence for a boundary. This will encourage Lahiru more than Shan.

3.1

.

Stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. Looked to be high and also pitching outside leg. It is on the pads, Shan looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. The bowler goes up in appeal but the umpire is unmoved.

2.6

.

Even better line. On the off pole and full. Abid defends it really nicely off his front foot.

2.5

.

Better line and length this. On the good length area and outside off, Abid leaves it alone.

2.4

.

Down the leg side. Abid looks to flick but misses. Looks like they are intentionally bowling one or two down the leg side to Abid Ali so that he can kiss one of his flick which can go to the keeper. Not sure whether this is a right plan or not.

2.3

.

A Steven Smith-esque leave this. Fuller outside off, Abid leaves it alone in an unorthodox manner.

2.2

.

Good length ball outside off, asking Abid to have a crack at it but he shoulders arms to it.

2.1

.

Very good ball this. Very full, almost a yorker around off. Abid does really well to jam it out towards mid on.

1.6

.

Beauty to end with. Back of a length delivery around off, it looks to go with the angle but straightens after hitting the deck. Shan looks to defend but gets beaten.

1.5

1lb

Pakistan get their scoreboard underway, albeit a leg bye. Slightly fuller and angling in. Abid looks to flick but misses. The ball goes to the leg side off the pads. There is a slight appeal but the umpire turns it down as it is doing too much and in the meantime they steal a leg bye.

1.4

.

Good length ball which comes in to the right-hander. It is around the pads, Ali looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

1.3

.

Right off the meat! Good length ball on off, Abid shows that he is a man in form as he defends it right of the middle of the blade towards cover.

1.2

.

Another one down the leg side and once again Abid tries to flick but to no avail.

1.1

.

A bit of noise there. Not sure whether it was of the ball clipping the pad or the bat hitting the pad. Kumara starts with a length ball down the leg side, Abid looks to flick but misses. Dickwella behind the stumps dives to his left but fails to take it cleanly. Wouldn't have mattered as the ball did not kiss the bat.

Lahiru Kumara to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Maiden to start with. Tidy start from Vishwa. The last ball is fuller around off, Shan strokes it towards point. The fielder there dives to his left and saves runs for his side.

0.5

.

Good length ball on the pads, Masood looks to flick it to the on side but closes the phase of the bat early and it goes back to the bowler off the leading edge.

0.4

.

Good length ball on off, Masood defends it back to the bowler and shouts a loud no to his partner.

0.3

.

Good length ball outside off, Vishwa wants Shan to drive but Masood is happy to watch it carry to the keeper.

0.2

.

Goes outside off and makes it come back in. Masood shows awareness of his off pole and shoulders arms to it.

0.1

.

Vishwa starts with a fuller delivery on off. Masood starts his innings with a solid front foot defense. Hint of shape first up for Vishwa.

We are all set to begin! The Sri Lankan players are out in a huddle before they take their position in the field. Shan Masood and Abid Ali walk out to open the innings for the hosts. Vishwa Fernando to start the proceedings with the new ball. Masood to take the strike. Three slips and a gully. Here we go!

Just before the start, Pakistan's bowling coach Waqar Younis is caught down for a quick chat with Danny Morrison. Waqar Yonis hopes that his boys enjoy as much as he does. Reminds us that he made his debut and tells us that there is something on offer for the pacers and he hopes that his bowlers can do a good job. Tells that they knew that rain would play a part and there was a bit of a grass and hence they went with 4 pacers. Waqar says that they are bringing back Yasir Shah and he is hopeful that he can do a good job as he has done in the past. Tells their bowlers are a work in progress as they are young and he expects them to become a force to reckon with in the next 6 months or a year.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya (In for Kasun Rajitha), Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali (C), Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Yasir Shah (In for Usman Shinwari), Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.

TOSS - Pakistan skipper, Azhar Ali has the coin in hand. Up it goes and it comes down in the hosts' favour. PAKISTAN OPT TO BAT!

After rain and bad lights played spoilsport in Test cricket's return to Rawalpindi, it is time for Test cricket to return to Karachi. Centuries from debutant, Abid Ali and Babar Azam showed why Pakistan can never be counted out. They would look to repeat the same heroics with the bat. On the bowling end of things, the hosts will be forced to make a change as Usman Shinwari is ill so it will be interesting to see if the hosts replace him with leg spinner Yasir Shah or once again surprise everyone and go without a proper spinner. Coming to the visitors, in the one inning they batted they would be disappointed with their collapse and Dimuth Karunaratne will hope that his troops can correct it. Their bowling was lacklustre and looked void of ideas and they will need to find a way to improve that. It will be interesting to see how many changes the tourists make for this one. With the series and 60 points in the ICC World Test Championship up for grabs who will come out on top in this tasty encounter?

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2nd Test, Karachi, December 19, 2019, 10:30 AM

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