The first session of the day belonged to Pakistan with an addition of 110 runs relatively at a good run-rate. Pakistan eventually declared after lunch at 425-9 with a massive 491 runs lead. Shoaib Malik fell after making 134 (240 balls, 13 fours and two sixes) while Kamran Akmal went for 74, the partnership between the two being 133 runs. Umar Gul also helped himself to a career best 46. Rangana Herath proved to be the pick of host bowlers taking 5-157. The pitch had eased out quite a bit as runs came freely yet the pressure of batting last with such a daunting target didn't make things easier for Sri Lanka. However, their openers got them off to a good start Tharanga Paranavitana and Malinda Warnapura laid the foundation for a positive Sri Lankan response as they went into tea on day four at 77-0 in only 22 overs. There wasn't much assistance for the fast bowlers with the new ball coming nicely on to the bat, but the spinners were getting some turn. Pakistani bowlers bowled without much success in the post tea session. Malinda Warnapura fell to Danish Kaneria after making 31. From there on skipper Kumar Sangakkara combined well with Tharanga who completed his second Test fifty off 85 balls. Paranavitana batted responsibly rotating the strike well and stroking the odd boundary as his innings strengthened Sri Lanka's position. Things changed in Pakistan's favour when Shoaib Malik dismissed Paranavitana for 73 and soon after Danish Kaneria got rid off Mahela Jayawardene who is a tough nut to crack always. Pakistan were back in business with Sri Lanka at 155-3 it could have been worse had Younis Khan held on to a sharp chance of Kumar Sangakkara. By the end of days play Sri Lanka were 183-3. On day five they need 309 more runs to win, which looks highly unlikely and they would be aiming to bat it out for a draw. Pakistan need seven wickets to win the Test which shouldn't be much of a problem with the spinners bowling well.