Taufeeq Umar became the first Pakistan opener to hit a Test double ton for 19 years against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.
Opener's epic innings puts Pakistan in total control of first Test
Taufeeq Umar became the first Pakistan opener to hit a double century for 19 years as he guided his side into a dominant position in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.
Taufeeq batted for almost 12 hours across three days in stifling heat in making 236 as Pakistan declared an hour before the close on the third day on 511-6.
Sri Lanka's second innings got off to a dismal start when Tharanga Paranavitana was trapped leg before wicket by Umar Gul from the first ball but Lahiru Thirimanne and Kumar Sangakkara stabilised things to close on 47-1 - a deficit of 267.
The day was all about Taufeeq though. He passed his previous Test best of 136 in the opening session and looked untroubled thereafter in a 496-ball knock.
The 30-year-old's vigil finally ended shortly before the declaration came, run out by a combination of Sangakkara and wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene after partner Asad Shafiq surprisingly refused a single.
His knock saw him become the first Pakistan opener to reach 200 since Aamer Sohail against England at Old Trafford in 1992.
It was another long day of toil for the Sri Lankans, although they stuck to their task despite being hindered by a docile pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Pakistan, who are playing this home series in the Middle East due to safety concerns at home, suffered an early blow when Azhar Ali departed for 70 in the seventh over of the day, failing to prevent a Chanaka Welegedara inswinger from careering between bat and pad.
Watchful
Younus Khan joined Taufeeq and replicated his partner's watchful style, accumulating 33 from 94 deliveries before playing across the line to Welegedara and being adjudged lbw.
The innings required some impetus and it was provided by Misbah-ul-Haq, who played a captain's knock.
Clearly keen to push the score on with a view to declaring, he hit 46 from 52 balls including four fours and a six.
He was finally out in controversial circumstances when umpire Tony Hill raised the finger despite a delivery from Rangana Herath appearing to clip his sleeve rather than the bat on its way to Prasanna Jayawardene.
The dismissal saw another shift in momentum with Pakistan going back into their shell, with Shafiq chiefly responsible.
His painstakingly slow 26 not out took 94 balls and undoubtedly contributed to Taufeeq's late rush of blood.
Herath also claimed the wicket of Umar Gul for a second-ball duck, prompting Misbah to call his batsmen in.
