SL thwart Pakistan in second Test

DUBAI, Oct 28 (AFP): Sri Lanka put on an improved batting display in their second innings as they began to eat into a big Pakistan lead in the second Test at Dubai Stadium here Friday. Sri Lanka, who conceded a big 164-run lead in the first innings, moved to 88-1 at stumps on the third day on a pitch that is taking spin and keeping low, which sets up an intriguing last two days. Opener Tharanga Paranavitana (42) and former captain Kumar Sangakkara (29) were unbeaten, having put on 66 valuable runs for the unbroken second wicket stand after they lost opener Lahiru Thirimanne (eight) early. They still need 76 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Sri Lanka will look for a repeat of their second innings performance in the drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi, where Sangakkara scored an epic match-saving double hundred. So cautious were the batsmen against Pakistan's pace-cum-spin attack that Paranavitana hit only two boundaries and Sangakkara was yet to hit any during a near two hour stay at the crease. Pakistan's bowlers unleashed tight line and length and appealed vociferously as the ball spun, but failed to remove the second wicket pair. Earlier, Pakistan were dismissed for 403 an hour after lunch, with Asad Shafiq scoring 59 and wicket-keeper and batsman Adnan Akmal chipping in with a useful 41. Dhammika Prasad and Tillakaratne Dilshan chipped in with three wickets apiece while Chanaka Welegedara and spinner Rangana Herath took two each. Shafiq said Pakistan needed to restrict the Sri Lankan target to 100 runs. "I hope they (Sri Lanka) don't give us a chance to bat a second time," said Shafiq. "But since the ball is turning and keeping low I think we must restrict them to a lead of 100 or less to enforce a win." Welegedara hoped Sri Lanka takes a 200-plus lead.