Ton for Ahmed Shehzad, but Sri Lanka still ahead

Opener Ahmed Shehzad scored a maiden century but Pakistan toiled for runs in their bid for a series-levelling win against Sri Lanka in the third and final Test in Sharjah on Saturday

Sharjah: Opener Ahmed Shehzad scored a maiden century but Pakistan toiled for runs in their bid for a series-levelling win against Sri Lanka in the third and final Test in Sharjah on Saturday.

Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad plays a shot on Day Three of the Test against SL on Saturday. Pic/AFP

The 22-year-old right-hander made 147 in only his second Test as Pakistan scored 291-6 at close on the third day, still trailing by 137 runs over Sri Lanka's first innings total of 428-9 declared.

Pakistan lost Sarfraz Ahmed for five, caught behind off spinner Rangana Herath in the last over of the day. Misbah-ul Haq was unbeaten on 36.

With two days remaining and Pakistan lagging well behind they will be hard pressed to enforce a result, with Sri Lanka happy for a no-result affair. While Pakistan struggled for runs, it was a memorable day for young Shehzad.

Shehzad added a quick 56 for the fourth wicket with Misbah but Pakistan's slow and cautious batting amidst some tight bowling blunted their efforts to get closer to Sri Lanka's total.

Pakistan, trailing 1-0 in the three-match series after losing the second Test in Dubai by nine wickets, managed 150 runs in the first two sessions after resuming at 19-0, losing opener Khurram Manzoor (52) and Azhar Ali (eight).

But Shehzad paced up the innings in the last session, helping Pakistan to 122 runs in the two hours but Pakistan lost four wickets.

Shehzad reached his hundred with a couple towards cover off spinner Dilruwan Perera. He was finally bowled off a reverse sweep against Herath. 

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