By Srian Obeyesekere

Openers Abid Ali and Shan Masood put the Sri Lankan bowling attack to the sword striking centuries in posting the second highest opening partnership of 278 in Pakistan’s Test history as the hosts piled up 395 for 2 wickets taking a stranglehold of  the second Test match on the third day at Karachi yesterday. Ali made a record 174 off 281 balls inclusive of 21 boundaries and a six and Masood 135 off 198 balls containing 7 boundaries and 3 sixes. Pakistan enjoyed a lead of315 runs with 8 wickets intact and in a winning position of dictating terms to Sri Lanka whose batsmen will be pressurised to  the hilt to save the game with two days of play at the hosts command to go for a decision.

It was Abid Ali who set the stage for the run orgy as he batted freely against a hapless Sri Lankan bowling attack in extending Pakistan’s overnight 57 to the mammoth partnership. The partnership was broken when Lahiru Kumara had Masood caught by Oshada Fernando. It was Masood’s second test century, both against Sri Lanka. Ali fell 77 runs later when Kumara trapped him leg before wicket.

CHIEF SCORES:

Pakistan 191 and 395/2 (Abid Ali 174, Shan Masood 135, Azhar Ali n.o. 57, Babar Azam n.o. 22,Lahiru Kumara 2/88)

Sri Lanka 271 (Dinesh Chandimal 74, Afridi 5/77, Abbas 4/55)