Pakistan's hopes of setting Sri Lanka a big fourth innings target rest on the last two recognised batsmen at the wicket, Shoaib Malik (six not out) and Misbah-ul Haq (16 not out).

Pakistan had yesterday grabbed a first innings lead of 66 runs when they bowled Sri Lanka out for 233 in reply to their own 299.

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Pakistan added just six runs to their overnight score when Fawad Alam fended at a short ball from left-arm seamer Thilan Thushara and spooned an easy catch to the bowler.

Left-handed Alam, who hit 168 on debut in the second Test, scored 16 in each innings here.

Younus Khan looked solid while making 19 when he was unfortunate to be given leg-before to Nuwan Kulaksekera by umpire Ian Gould. Television replays showed an inside edge off the bat.

Younus walked back dejected as Pakistan slipped to 54-3, just 120 runs ahead.

Veteran Mohammad Yousuf was on 23 when he poked at a good length delivery from left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and edged a catch to wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara.

The Sri Lankan captain, who keeps wickets in limited-over internationals but is reluctant to do the job in Tests, was forced to don the gloves after Tillakaratne Dilshan was laid low with injuries.

Dilshan broke a finger in his right hand while keeping wicket on the first day, and then suffered a bloody cut over the left eyebrow while batting yesterday.