Centurion Umar puts Pakistan in control

The left-handed opener made 109 not out and shared century partnerships with Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali as Pakistan piled up 259 for one at the close, a lead of 62 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

It was a patient innings by the 30-year-old Umar who faced 296 balls and hit eight boundaries.

Resuming overnight on 27 for nought, Hafeez and Umar put on 118 for the first wicket.

Hafeez was the more aggressive and struck eight fours and a six before falling just after lunch, trapped leg before for 75 by left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

Umar and Ali then put on an unbroken 141 for the second wicket and Pakistan now look like building a substantial first-innings lead.

Mahela Jayawardene failed to take a low catch when Ali, on seven, edged Herath to slip.

Sri Lanka’s pacemen toiled hard on a lifeless pitch as edges several times fell short of fielders.

Pakistan play ‘home’ tests in the Gulf region because of security fears in their own country.

The game is the first in a three-match series.