Images courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sangakkara scored a sparkling half-century, while Ajmal took two wickets late in the day

Sri Lanka and Pakistan remain deadlocked after a hard-fought first day in Sharjah, which saw Kumar Sangakkara score a half-century and spinner Saeed Ajmal return to form by nabbing two late wickets.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and chose to bat first.

However, his decision to do so backfired as opening batsman Kaushal Silva was caught behind off the bowling of Mohammad Talha for 17.

Dimuth Karunarate managed to make 34 runs before he was caught by Younis Khan at first slip off the bowling of Abdur Rehman.

Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene stabilised the innings with a 60-run partnership, during which Sangakkara brought up his half-century, before he was caught by Khurram Manzoor at midwicket off the bowling of Junaid Khan.

Sangakkara’s brilliant knock of 52 came off 103 balls and included five boundaries.

Jayawardene ended up making 47 off 108 deliveries, which included five boundaries and two sixes, before he was caught by Azhar Ali at short leg off the bowling of Ajmal.

Ajmal struck again just a few overs later as Dinesh Chandimal was caught by Asad Shafiq at mid-on for 11.

Wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene and Mathews amassed an unbeaten 54-run partnership before the umpires brought play to an end for the day.

Jayawardene finished on 28 off 60 balls, which included two boundaries, while Mathews remained undefeated on 24 off 90 deliveries, which included one boundary.

Ajmal was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with two wickets, while Khan, Talha and Rehman chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka ended the day on 220/5 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 06:00 GMT.