Sri Lanka, after gaining a big 220-run lead in the first innings, were struggling at 34-5 at close on the third day of the second day-night Test against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.

Dinesh Chandimal was dismissed for nought in the last over before close, with Kusal Mendis not out on five.

Sri Lanka, who lead the two-match series 1-0, have an overall lead of 254 runs with five wickets intact.

Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 262 in their first innings on the third day. 

Azhar Ali (59) and Haris Sohail (56) were the leading scorers as Pakistan fell 21 runs short of the follow-on mark, although Sri Lanka decided not to enforce it.

Herath, who took 11 wickets in Sri Lanka's 21-run win in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, removed a well set Azhar Ali for 59 after he dismissed Babar Azam for eight.

Azhar had added an invaluable 71 for the fifth wicket with Sohail but Herath trapped him leg-before and reviewed it to overturn a not-out decision.

Earlier, Sri Lankan pace-cum-spin attack put the brakes on Pakistan's progress after they resumed at 51-0.

They removed both the openers in the first hour and then made inroads on a still batting friendly Dubai stadium pitch.

Pacer Lahiru Gamage took his first wicket in Tests when he bowled Shan Masood through the gate after the opener had made 16.

Sami Aslam was trapped leg before by off-spinner Dilruwan Perera for 39 to leave Pakistan two down for 65. Asad Shafiq fell for 12 while Babar Azam made eight.

Sri Lanka lead the two-match series 1-0 on account of winning the first Test by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi.