Shehzad, Azhar Lead Pakistan Fightback

Colombo: Ahmed Shehzad and Azhar Ali produced a gritty performance on Saturday as they reduced Pakistan's deficit to six runs at stumps on the third day of the second day against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday.

Conceding a 177-run first innings lead, Pakistan recovered from a shaky start as Shehzad and Azhar steadied the ship by sharing a solid 120-run partnership for the second wicket after the dismissal of Mohammad Hafeez (8).

Shehzad made 69 before he was caught by Dinesh Chandimal off a Dhammika Prasad's delivery. Veteran batsman Younis Khan, who is playing his 100th Test, then joined Azhar (64 not out) on the crease and remained unbeaten on 23.

Pakistan were 171-2 before bad light stopped play an hour into the final session.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan required only 3.1 overs to wrap up the hosts' first innings when leg-spinner finished his spell with returning figures of 6-96.

Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Galle by 10 wickets.

Brief scores
Pakistan 138 and 171 for 2 (Shehzad 69, Azhar 64*)
Sri Lanka 315 (Silva 80, Mathews 77, Yasir 6-96)
Status - Pakistan trial by 6 runs

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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