Asad, Akmal fifties extend Pakistan dominance

Fifties from middle-order batsman Ali Asad and wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal helped Pakistan A extend their dominance over Sri Lanka A into the third day of the third unofficial Test in Dambulla, as they amassed a first-innings total of 580 for 8 declared. Udara Jayasundera's fifty helped Sri Lanka A wipe away 119 runs from their deficit, leaving them trailing by 188 runs at the end of the day.

Asad resumed his innings on the third morning from an overnight score of 31 and stretched the fifth-wicket partnership with Shan Masood to 124 runs before the latter was dismissed 18 runs short of a double-century. Asad and Akmal added 60 brisk runs to the scoreboard before Nisala Tharaka ended Asad's innings at 89, with the batsman hitting 13 fours in his 147-ball stay. Akmal, however, carried on and finished on an unbeaten 54 off 77 deliveries with five fours, before the side declared their innings. Lahiru Gamage was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka A with returns of 4 for 112, while Dushmantha Chameera, Tharaka, Ashan Priyanjan and Jayasundera took one wicket apiece.

Jayasundera, who had scored 6 in the first innings, gave Sri Lanka A a better start in their second innings, adding 88 runs for the first wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva. However, Sri Lanka suffered a wobble towards close of play, losing their top three quickly to finish at 119 for 3.