Taufeeq Umar compiled his sixth test century to put Pakistan
in complete control after the second day of the first test
against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
The left-handed opener made 109 not out and shared century
partnerships with Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali as Pakistan
piled up 259 for one at the close, a lead of 62 runs at the
Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
It was a patient innings by the 30-year-old Umar who faced
296 balls and hit eight boundaries.
Resuming overnight on 27 for nought, Hafeez and Umar put on
118 for the first wicket.
Hafeez was the more aggressive and struck eight fours and a
six before falling just after lunch, trapped leg before for
75 by left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.
Umar and Ali then put on an unbroken 141 for the second
wicket and Pakistan now look like building a substantial
first-innings lead.
Mahela Jayawardene failed to take a low catch when Ali, on
seven, edged Herath to slip.
Sri Lanka's pacemen toiled hard on a lifeless pitch as edges
several times fell short of fielders.
Pakistan play 'home' tests in the Gulf region because of
security fears in their own country.
The game is the first in a three-match series.
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