Sri Lanka lead in Galle as Pakistan struggle for form

PAKISTAN stumbled into trouble before rain brought an early halt to proceedings on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The visitors made it to 118 for five at stumps from 41.4 overs after Sri Lanka posted 300 for their first innings, Kaushal Silva top-scoring with 125.

Dhammika Prasad claimed figures of two for 24, removing Pakistan opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez for two at the end of the first over of the innings then accounting for Ahmed Shehzad as Misbah-ul-haq’s men stumbled to 11 for two.

Azhar Ali’s dismissal for just eight, lbw to Rangana Herath, left the visitors reeling further on 35 for three before Younis Khan (47) and Misbah (20) introduced a period of stability.

That did not last for too long, though, as Younis was bowled by Dilruwan Perera in the 28th over and Misbah was sent back to the pavilion in the 35th, caught by Kumar Sangakkara off the bowling of Nuwan Pradeep.

That meant Asad Shafiq (14no) and Sarfraz Ahmed (15no) were at the crease when rain brought an early end to the day in the rain-affected match which saw the first day washed out, leaving Pakistan trailing by 182 runs with five wickets remaining in the first innings.

Starting the day on 173 for three, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 300 with Silva (125) their top-scorer. Zulfiqar Babar was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with three for 64.