23 Jul 2009

Malik century puts Pakistan in control

8:38 am on 23 July 2009

Pakistan have a commanding 366-run lead at stumps on the third day of the third cricket Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo, thanks to former captain Shoaib Malik's defiant undefeated century.

Pakistan resumed on 16 for one and slowly consolidated with a hard-working batting display on a slow-scoring day, finishing on 300 for five at the close.

Malik finished unbeaten on 106 with wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal on 60 as the tourists showed their determination to avoid the humiliation of a series whitewash.