The tourists, trailing by 82 runs on the first innings, moved from their overnight score of 4-1 to 66-4 in their second knock by lunch, still behind by 16 runs.
Azhar Ali was unbeaten on 18 and skipper Misbah-ul Haq was on seven, with Asad Shafiq the last recognised batsman remaining in the pavilion.
Sri Lanka have a minimum of 66 overs on a pitch that shows no signs of breaking up to bowl Pakistan out quickly and force an unexpected win in the opening match of the two-Test series.
Opener Ahmed Shehzad made 16 when he was given out leg-before to off-spinner Dilruwan Perera to make it 39-3.
Shehzad, who consulted his partner Ali before deciding not to ask for an umpire's review, would have survived if he had signalled for it. Television replays showed the ball missing the leg stump.
Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath dealt Pakistan a bigger blow when he bowled first innings century-maker Younis Khan for 13 to reduce the tourists to 55-4.
The second Test of the two-match series, the last one for retiring former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from Thursday.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
