Pakistan crumble

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 in Pallekele on Saturday.

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.

Sarfraz Ahmed returned unbeaten on 72 and Azhar Ali made 52, but none of the other batsmen could form a sizeable partnership.

Pakistan were struggling at 152-7 when Yasir helped Sarfraz add 45 for the eighth wicket, contributing 18.

Yasir claimed yet another five-wicket haul.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SRI LANKA: First innings 278 all out (Karunaratne 130, Tharanga 46; Rahat 3-74, Yasir 5-78)

PAKISTAN: First innings 209 for nine (Azhar 52,Sarfraz 72 not out; Prasad 3-78, Pradeep 3-26)