Rain frustration in Colombo

Rain: no play was possible at the SSC after lunch

Junaid Khan: Pakistan fast bowler struck early to remove Tharanga Paranavitana

Kumar Sangakkara (right) and Tillakaratne Dilshan: Sri Lanka's second-wicket pair put on unbroken 59-run stand

Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara stood firm for Sri Lanka before rain washed out the final two sessions on day three of the second Test against Pakistan in Colombo.

The experienced pair forged an unbroken half-century stand to take Sri Lanka to 70-1 in reply to Pakistan's first-innings of 551-6 declared.

Sri Lanka lost opener Tharanga Paranavitana for a duck in the fourth over, caught by Azhar Ali at short-leg off Junaid Khan's bowling.

But Dilshan found the boundary nine times in his 46 not out, while Sangakkara took a more sedate approach to reaching 22.

The partnership was worth 59 when rain set in at the Sinhalese Sports Club to prevent any further action after 27 overs of the day.

Sri Lanka lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 209-run win in the series opener in Galle. The third Test takes place in Pallekele from July 8-12.

Declaration

Pakistan batted on for an hour at the start of the day, losing two wickets while adding 63 runs to their overnight 488-4.

Asad Shafiq was run out by Dilshan's direct hit from squre-leg in the second over.

After skipper Misbah-ul-Haq had brought up his 17th Test half-century, Adnan Akmal departed when he tamely struck Rangana Herath's left-arm spin to Dilshan at cover.

Misbah finished on 66 not out and received support from Abdur Rehman, who hit two sixes in his unbeaten 18.