Shehzad leads Pak fight
Opener Ahmed Shehzad scored a maiden century but Pakistan toiled for runs in their bid for a series-levelling win against Sri Lanka in the third Test in Sharjah Saturday.
The 22-year-old right-hander made 147 in only his second Test as Pakistan scored 291-6 at close on the third day, still trailing by 137 runs over Sri Lanka's first innings total of 428-9 declared.
Pakistan lost Sarfraz Ahmed for five, caught behind off spinner Rangana Herath in the last over of the day. Misbahul Haq was unbeaten on 36.
With two days remaining and Pakistan lagging well behind they will be hard pressed to enforce a result, with Sri Lanka happy for a no-result affair.
While Pakistan struggled for runs, it was a memorable day for young Shehzad.
Shehzad added a quick 56 for the fourth wicket with Misbah but Pakistan's slow and cautious batting amidst some tight bowling blunted their efforts to get closer to Sri Lanka's total.
Pakistan, trailing 1-0 in the three-match series after losing the second Test in Dubai by nine wickets, managed 150 runs in the first two sessions after resuming at 19-0, losing opener Khurram Manzoor (52) and Azhar Ali (eight).
Experienced Younis Khan didn't last long either. Herath had the best figures with 3-88. Eranga had 2-53 while Perera took 1-71.
SCOREBOARD
SRI LANKA: First innings 428-9 declared (Perera 95, Mathews 91, Sangakkara 52; Junaid 3-81, Talha 3-99)
PAKISTAN: First innings 291-6 (Manzoor 52, Shehzad 147, Azhar 8, Younis 17, Misbah 36 not out, Shafiq 18, Sarfraz 5, extras 8; Herath 3-88, Lakmal 0-57, Perera 1-71, Eranga 2-53, Mathews 0-15); to bat: Sarfraz, Ajmal, Rehman, Talha, Junaid
Fall of wickets: 1-114, 2-149, 3-189, 4-245, 5-274, 6-291
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