Shah four will leave Pakistan slightly happier

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Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne struck his second Test century as Sri Lanka ended day one of the third, and deciding, Test against Pakistan on 272 for eight at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Karunaratne, playing in his 17th Test, scored 130 but will be disappointed that he did not receive much support from his teammates, with the second highest score the innings being 46 made by Upul Tharanga.

Rahat Ali started the home side's woes when he picked up the wicket of Kaushal Silva for just nine. Karunaratne and Tharanga, who was playing in place of Kumar Sangakkara, dug in to put on 91 for the second wicket.

The left-handed Tharanga was then caught by veteran Younis Khan off the bowling of legspinner Yasir Shah while new batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, after getting to 11, fell to the same bowler.

Shah was continuing his prolific form with the ball in the series and bagged another two wickets fairly quickly, captain Angelo Mathews for 3 and the returning Jehan Mubarak for 25. 204 for five at that stage.

Karunaratne, who went to his century off 188 balls, was suddenly running out of partners and the frustration of the situation got the better of him when was out to part-time bowler Azhar Ali.

Azhar got Dhammika Prasad next ball while Rahat got Dinesh Chandimal late in the day to leave Pakistan slight on top after their skipper Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and asked the home team to bat first.

The series is currently locked at one-all.

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