Pakistan spinners restrict Sri Lanka to 220-5

SHARJAH: Pakistan spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman tied down Sri Lanka to 220-5 in the decisive third Test on a grassless wicket at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Ajmal took 2-62 and Rehman — one of the three changes Pakistan made after trailing 1-0 in the series — picked up 1-45 to keep Sri Lanka´s progress under check on the first day.

Kumar Sangakkara top scored with 52, but was lucky to hit his 44th Test fifty when umpire couldn´t spot the left-hander had gloved the catch on 15.

Another experienced Sri Lanka batsman, Mahela Jayawardene, made 47 before he fell to Ajmal in the last session.

Prasanna Jayawardene will resume on 28 while captain Angelo Mathews, who won the toss and elected to bat, was unbeaten on 24. (AP)