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
Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings - 34th Match Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - 35th Match 2nd T20I - Pakistan v New Zealand - April 20, 14:30 GMT 36th Match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore - April 21, 10:00 GMT 1st T20I - Pakistan v New Zealand at Rawalpindi No result 33rd Match - Punjab Kings v Mumbai Indians at Chandigarh Mumbai Indians won by 9 runs

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