Sports Bulletin Report
RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka strengthened their position in the Rawalpindi Test on the third day, reaching 404 for 4 at stumps in their first innings, just 30 runs behind Pakistan's total of 434. The visitors have six wickets remaining and are in a commanding position heading into the fourth day.
Bad light once again disrupted play, forcing an early close with 23 overs remaining. A total of 70 overs have now been lost due to poor light over the first three days of the Test. Pakistan's bowlers managed to claim just one wicket on the third day.
Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 167, while captain Kusal Mendis was not out on 117. The pair built an outstanding unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 249 runs, putting Sri Lanka in a strong position.
Earlier, Kamindu Mendis scored 58, Lahiru Udara contributed 42, Dinesh Chandimal managed just one run, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara was dismissed for a duck. For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas and Shakib Khan picked up two wickets each.
Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434 for 9, leaving Sri Lanka just 30 runs short of taking the lead as the match heads into the fourth day.
