Summary The third and final test starts in Pallekele on July 3.
COLOMBO (AFP) - Ahmed Shehzad and Azhar Ali put on an unbeaten 120-run partnership to keep Pakistan afloat in the second test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday.
The tourists, who conceded a first-innings lead of 177 runs, survived the loss of an early wicket to go to tea on the third day at 129-1 in their second knock.
Shehzad was batting on 69 and Azhar was on 47, with Pakistan only 48 runs behind on the P. Sara Oval pitch that is expected to turn increasingly in favour of bowlers as the match progresses.
Sri Lanka, looking for a series-levelling win after losing the first test in Galle, removed Mohammad Hafeez cheaply for eight before lunch, caught in the slips by Kumar Sangakkara off Angelo Mathews.
Yasir had claimed seven wickets in Sri Lanka s second innings in Galle to fashion Pakistan s 10-wicket victory. Pakistan have almost wiped out a 177-run first-innings deficit by reaching 2-171 in their second knock at stumps on the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Ahmed Shehzad (69) and Azhar Ali (64 not out) put on 120 runs for the second wicket on Saturday after Mohammad Hafeez was dismissed by Angelo Mathews for eight.
Younis Khan was unbeaten on 23, having added 42 so far for the third wicket with Azhar, which left Pakistan trailing by just six runs.
Sri Lanka, who resumed at their overnight score of 9-304 after a delayed start due to bad weather, were dismissed for 315.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah finished with figures of 6-96.
The third and final test starts in Pallekele on July 3.
