Pakistan 118 5 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 300 and Silva’s 2nd century on day 3 of 1st test

GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) _ Opener Kaushal Silva notched his second century as Sri Lanka posted 300 and limited Pakistan to 118-5 on day three of the first test on Friday.

Fast bowler Dhammika Prasad removed the Pakistan openers cheaply, then spinner Rangana Herath dismissed Azhar Ali to reduce Pakistan to 38-3 at tea.

In the rain-curtailed final session, Sri Lanka dismissed the experienced pair of Younis Khan for 47, and captain Misbah-ul-Haq for 20 to put Pakistan in deep trouble. At the crease were Pakistan’s last recognized batsmen, Asad Shafiq on 14, and Sarfraz Ahmed with 15.

Returning from a non-bowling broken left hand which cost him the Cricket World Cup, Prasad dismissed Mohammad Hafeez on 2 in the first over of Pakistan’s reply when the opener thick-edged one to third slip. Prasad trapped Ahmed Shehzad leg before wicket on 9 in his next over to reduce Pakistan to 11-2.

Herath was introduced early, and he dismissed Azhar Ali for 8.

Younis went on the attack despite the early setbacks, and added 51 runs for the fourth wicket with captain Misbah. He gave offspinner Dilruwan Perera the charge, but was beaten on the flight and failed to connect as the ball spun and struck the top of leg stump. His 47 included six fours and a six.

Misbah was brilliantly caught by Kumar Sangakkara at first slip off the bowling of Nuwan Pradeep. The ball flew to the left of Sangakkara after taking the outside edge, and the former captain took a fine one-handed instinctive catch. Misbah made 20.

Shafiq and Sarfraz ensured Pakistan didn’t lose further wickets, but they have a giant task on day four to steer Pakistan closer to Sri Lanka’s first-innings total.

The Pakistan bowlers did well to restrict Sri Lanka to 300 from 178-3 overnight.

Opener Kaushal Silva, who was dropped on 6 the previous day, went from 80 overnight to his second test century. He was eventually caught behind for a well-compiled 125 in a knock that lasted for 7 1/2 hours. He hit 16 fours.

Wahab Riaz, who bowled exceptionally well, dismissed captain Angelo Mathews early for 19 after adding just nine runs to his overnight score.

Pakistan opted for spin with the new ball from one end, and kept picking up wickets. Wahab and left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar picked up three wickets each.