Karunaratne ton puts Sri Lanka in strong position

Sri Lanka 254 for 3 (Karunaratne 133*, LD Chandimal 49*)

Dubai: Opener Dimuth Karunaratne scored a dashing century to guide Sri Lanka to 254-3 at stumps on the first day of the second and final day-night Test against Pakistan in Dubai on Friday.

Karunaratne was unbeaten on 133 and captain Dinesh Chandimal was 49 not out after Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat on a flat pitch. They involved in a unbeaten century stand for fourth wicket.

Karunaratne and opening partner Kaushal Silva (27) gave Sri Lanka a solid 63-run start before Pakistan hit back with three wickets in quick succession.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah provided his team with the much-needed breakthrough when he had Silva caught behind off a short delivery.

Debutant Sadeera Samarawickrama impressed during his short stay of 38 runs, hitting five boundaries and a six before he miscued a pull and was caught and bowled by pacer Mohammad Amir.

Kusal Mendis played a rash drive off Shah and was caught in the slips for one.

Karunaratne cracked three boundaries in an Amir over and hit Shah for another to reach his sixth Test fifty.

Sri Lanka lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi.

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