Lunch Sri Lanka 221 for 4 (Dhananjaya 87*, Kamindu 58, Abbas 2-33, Saqib 2-82) trail Pakistan 434 for 9 dec (Shakeel 93, Asitha 3-107) by 213 runs
Dhananjaya de Silva frustrated Pakistan on the third morning of the first Test in Rawalpindi, with Sri Lanka's middle order holding firm and pushing past 200 as Pakistan searched for the wickets that would give them a large first-innings lead.
De Silva and Kamindu Mendis built on the fourth-wicket partnership that had begun to inch Sri Lanka out of trouble on the second evening, and shut Pakistan out in the first hour.
They looked largely comfortable, except against Mohammad Abbas, who retained the ability to produce unplayable deliveries. One of those did for Kamindu shortly after his half-century, but with none of the other bowlers posing a similar threat and de Silva in fine form, Pakistan didn't look like making more substantial inroads.
Save for an over of spin to change ends, Pakistan stuck with the seam bowlers early on, but Sri Lanka were judicious and patient in their shot selection. De Silva was quick to drive fuller balls back past the bowlers while defending length, while Kamindu was strong through the off side. Both were especially respectful against Abbas, with Kamindu batting out a maiden over one shy of his half-century, not looking to rush to the milestone.
His stay at the crease ended in a probing Abbas over where he was beaten on the outside edge a couple of times. Abbas went wider of the crease and finally got the tickle he was looking for from Mendis' bat on the stroke of drinks, pumping his fists.
Pakistan knew the magnitude of the moment, and the opportunity to blast through the middle order that came with it. It wasn't to be in the session, though.
Not that they made it easy for themselves. Razaullah was erratic in his opening spell, but drew an edge from de Silva when he pushed with hard hands at a straight drive. It flew to Saud Shakeel at first slip at what was perfect catching height, only for it to pop back out.
De Silva and Kusal Mendis gave no more chances for the remainder of the extended session, clawing their way back into the game with another unbeaten 50-partnership. The narrative of the day remains up for grabs in the two sessions that remain.