Sarfraz Fights But Pakistan in Trouble

Pallekele: 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.

Nuwan Pradeep grabbed 3-26 in 14 steady overs and fellow seamer Dhammika Prasad chipped in another three wickets to cause a dramatic Pakistani collapse.

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

Last man Imran Khan, who got to bat for the first time in five Test matches, kept Sarfraz company at close on zero.

Brief scores
Sri Lanka - 278 (Karunaratne 130, Yasir 5-78, Rahat 3-74)
Pakistan - 209 for 9 (Sarfraz 72*, Azhar 52, Pradeep 3-26, Prasad 3-78)
Status - Pakistan trail by 69 runs

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Australia vs India - 1st Test West Indies vs Bangladesh - 1st Test 1st ODI - Zimbabwe v Pakistan - November 24, 07:30 GMT 2nd ODI - Zimbabwe v Pakistan - November 26, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Sri Lanka v New Zealand at Kandy No results 3rd T20I - Australia v Pakistan at Hobart Australia won by 7 wickets (with 52 balls remaining)

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