Pakistan continue to dominate

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Azhar Ali completed his third Test century, but Pakistan’s progress was limited due to rain on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo.

Despite only 44.2 overs of play possible, the number three, unbeaten on 92 overnight, went on to make 157 before he became spinner Suraj Randiv’s only victim in what proved to be the penultimate over of the day.

Azhar shared a 287-run second-wicket stand with opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez, who fell four runs short of a maiden double ton as Pakistan reached the close on a commanding 488 for four.

The tourists had added 31 to their overnight 334 for one when Rangana Herath bowled Hafeez, attempting to sweep, to end the batsman’s 331-ball innings, which included 20 fours and one six.

Azhar brought up his hundred shortly after Hafeez’s exit when a ferocious whack of a wide delivery from Nuwan Pradeep went for four.

Azhar Ali is congratulated by Younus Khan after the right-hander completed his third Test century against Sri Lanka at Colombo

However, rain intervened and a break of two hours 12 minutes ensued before play resumed.

Younus Khan and Azhar had put on 70 when the former was out lbw to Herath for 32 with Pakistan 435 for three. Azhar was not fazed by his partner’s dismissal and brought up his 150 with a single off Herath to long-on.

But his 295-ball knock came to an end before tea when he attempted a reverse sweep, only to loop the ball to Nuwan Kulasekara at point.

Misbah-ul-Haq, returning to lead the side following a one-match ban, was unbeaten on 29 at the close as Pakistan aim to level the three-match series following their heavy defeat in the first Test.