Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Shehzad scored his maiden Test century

Pakistan failed to gain the upper hand against Sri Lanka on the third day of the third Test in Sharjah, despite a breathtaking century by opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad.

Shehzad was well supported by his opening partner, Khurram Manzoor, who scored a brilliant half-century.

Starting out the day on 19/0, Shehzad and Manzoor converted their 19-run partnership into an outstanding 114-run partnership, during which both batsmen brought up their half-centuries, before Manzoor was caught behind off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga.

Manzoor reviewed the decision right away, but the replays showed that he had got a faint edge and the third umpire did not hesitate in upholding the original decision.

Manzoor’s fantastic knock of 52 came off 125 balls and included four boundaries.

Even though Pakistan lost Azhar Ali and Younis Khan in quick succession, Shehzad stood his ground and registered his maiden Test century, before he was involved in a 56-run partnership with captain Misbah-ul-Haq.

Shehzad was just three runs away from reaching the 150-run mark when he was clean bowled by Rangana Herath.

Shehzad’s career-best knock of 147 came off 275 deliveries and included 12 boundaries and a six.

Asad Shafiq only managed to score 18 runs before he was given out lbw off the bowling of Eranga.

Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed also failed to have an impact with the bat as he was caught behind off the bowling of Herath for just five runs.

Following Ahmed’s dismissal, the umpires decided to bring play to an end for the day.

Ul-Haq remained undefeated on 36 off 64 balls, which included one boundary and a six, while Saeed Ajmal has yet to face a single ball.

Herath was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers with three wickets, while Eranga snapped up two and debutant Dilruwan Perera chipped in with one.

Pakistan ended the day on 291/6 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 06:00 GMT.