Third Test, Colombo, day four (close):
Pakistan 299 & 425-9dec v Sri Lanka 233 & 183-3
Match scorecard
 Malik's 134 came off 240 balls and included 13 fours and two sixes |
A brilliant century from Shoaib Malik put Pakistan firmly on course for a morale-boosting victory in the third Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Resuming on 16-1 with a lead of 82 in their second innings, Pakistan's top order stumbled to 67-4 early on. However, Malik (134) combined well with Misbah-ul-haq and Kamran Akmal to lead his side to 425-9 declared. Chasing 508 to win, Sri Lanka batted bravely but were 183-3 by stumps and now face a tall order on day five. Kumar Sangakkara will no doubt be key to the hosts' bid to earn a record-breaking victory, the captain ending the day 50 not out alongside Thilan Samaraweera. However, the loss of opener Tharanga Paranavitana for 73 an hour before stumps could cost Sri Lanka dear as they look to wrap up a 3-0 series whitewash victory.  | 606: DEBATE |
And it was Malik who took that vital wicket, luring Paranavitana into a prod into the hands of short leg, to complete an excellent day for the all-rounder. Earlier, he played a crucial innings after Pakistan's top order succumbed to the hosts' seamers. Coming to the crease at 67-4, he shared a partnership of 119 with Misbah-ul-haq (65) and one of 133 with wicket-keeper Akmal (74) as the middle order set about building a match-winning total. Umar Gul and Mohammad Aamer then scored runs at a good pace down the order to set up the declaration. And once Paranavitana had departed, Danish Kaneria took over with the ball spinning off the day four pitch, removing Malinda Warnapura and, crucially, Mahela Jayawardene to put Pakistan in charge.
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