Pakistan is in danger of losing the third and final Test against Sri Lanka as they were 291 runs for six wickets at the close on the third day at Sharjah, still needing 137 runs to wipe off their first innings deficit.
Despite opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad striking his maiden hundred, Pakistan's hopes a series-equalling victory looked distant, with wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed (five) falling on the final delivery of the day to give left-arm spinner Rangana Herath his third wicket of the innings.
According to Sport24, captain Misbah-ul-Haq (36) was unbeaten at the crease while Shehzad drove debutant Dilruwan Perera elegantly for a couple of runs to reach his maiden hundred in his third Test and celebrated the occasion in front of a sparse crowd with a leap.
Sri Lanka, who won the second Test in Dubai after the first match in Abu Dhabi ended in a draw, dismissed Asad Shafiq (18) and Sarfraz cheaply before the close to take the upper hand, the report added.