Pakistan 'A' enjoy upper hand

Pakistan 'A' held the upper hand after dismissing their Sri Lankan rivals for just 183 in their first innings on the opening day of the four-day first 'Test' at Iqbal Stadium here Tuesday.

Left-handed opening pair of Taufiq Umar and Imran Farhat then safely negotiated eight overs as the hosts ended the day on 32 without loss.

After skipper Thilan Samaraweera had won the toss, Sri Lanka 'A' made a flying start as left-handers Michael Vandort and Avishka Gunawardena, both with Test experience, added 69 for the first wicket in less than 16 overs.

But once the partnership was broken by Test leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, the rot set in as seven wickets were back in the hut with only 50 runs added.

Gunawardena, who like Vandort was stumped by Moin Khan, hammered eight boundaries on his way 60 off 85 balls. Vandort contributed 28 with three hits to the fence.

Jeevan Mendis and Samaraweera, the Test all-rounder, were the only other batsmen to cross 20, each facing 84 balls. Mendis was left stranded on 24.

Kaneria proved too much the tailenders, removing Kaushalya Lokuarachchi, Chamila Gamage and Sujeeva de Silva in quick successions to finish with five for 42 in 26.5 overs.

Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan, who bowls brisk medium-pacers, was more impressive as he jolted the Sri Lankan middle-order batting. His victims were Naveed Nawaz, Jehan Mubarak, Samaraweera and wicket-keeper Charith Fernando.

Moin Khan, who was summoned for the match at the eleventh hour, enhanced his claims for inclusion in the senior squad for next month's Test series against Australia by making five dismissals behind the timbers.