Sri Lanka claimed the upper hand in the third Test against Australia in Colombo, as they shaded all three sessions on the third day and closed on 166 for two.
Sri Lanka methodically justified captain Tillakaratne Dilshan's decision to bowl first before Shaun Marsh and Michael Hussey held up their charge as Australia reached 235 for five at stumps on day one to the third and final Test.
Aizaz Cheema continued his promising rise through the Pakistani ranks with a career-best haul as the tourists resigned Zimbabwe to a 28-run defeat and three-nil series loss in Wednesday's final ODI in Harare.
The old guard of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene suppressed Australia's bid for a series win with an unbeaten 95-run stand to carry Sri Lanka to 223 for two at stumps on day four.
Centuries from Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh saw Australia to an impressive score of 411 for seven and a lead of 237 at stumps on a rain-affected day three to the second Test.
Aizaz Cheema picked up three wickets and Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq hit half-centuries as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by five runs in the first ODI in Bulawayo.
Sri Lanka slumped to a mere 174 all out on day one of the second Test in Pallekele. Australia's response was a swift, thorough approach as they reached 60 without loss.
Pakistan's decision to leave their frontline pace bowlers at home has been vindicated, and they now look well-placed to claim the one-day series, writes Tristan Holme.
Australia's new-found confidence was clear in the fact that they named their XI two days prior to the Test, leaving Tristan Holme to fancy the tourists in Pallekele.
Pakistan wrapped up a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their one-off Test before lunch on day five, leaving the hosts to lament a second-innings batting collapse.
Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews dug deep to thwart Australia's charge, but in the end the tourists landed a sound 125-run win on day four of the first Test at Galle.
Australia require a further five wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series against Sri Lanka after reducing the hosts to 120 for five at stumps on day three.
Tino Mawoyo carried his bat for Zimbabwe, but Mohammad Hafeez's unbeaten 79 saw Pakistan close day two of the one-off Test on a healthy 116 for one in response.
Mike Hussey put in a solid knock of 95 but it was Sri Lanka who took the plaudits at stumps on day one of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday.
Victory over Bangladesh confirmed Zimbabwe have made strides, but a Test against Pakistan will give an indication of just how high they can fly in their new incarnation, writes Tristan Holme.
It's No 4 against No 5, pace against spin, and both sides are under new leadership but still harbour their former captains. Tristan Holme feels Sri Lanka should be favourites.
