PALLEKELE, July 4:
Pakistan’s brittle top-order undid the good work of leg-spinner Yasir Shah as Sri Lanka seized control of the series-deciding third and final Test here today.
Having been bowled out for 278 in the first innings, Sri Lanka hit back to reduce Pakistan to 209-9 by stumps on the second day that saw 11 wickets fall on the evenly-paced pitch.
Nuwan Pradeep grabbed 3-26 in 14 steady overs and fellow seamer Dhammika Prasad chipped in another three wickets to cause a dramatic Pakistani collapse.
Sarfraz Ahmed returned unbeaten on a gallant 72 and Azhar Ali made 52, but none of the other batsmen settled down to form a sizeable partnership.
Last man Imran Khan, who got to bat for the first time in five Test matches, kept Sarfraz company at close on zero.
Pakistan were struggling at 152-7 when Yasir helped Sarfraz add 45 for the eighth wicket, himself contributing 18 with the bat to follow his impressive bowling.
Yasir claimed another five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka added six runs to their overnight score of 272-8 before they were dismissed within 20 minutes of the start.
Tharindu Kaushal was leg-before to left-arm seamer Rahat Ali for 18 and last man Pradeep fell in the same fashion to Yasir without scoring. (Agencies)
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