Colombo (Sri Lanka), Jul 1: Azhar Ali cracked his third test hundred while Mohammad Hafeez missed out on a maiden double century as Pakistan continued to dominate Sri Lanka in the second test, reaching 404-2 at lunch on the second day Sunday.
Hafeez was out for a career-best 196 bowled by left-arm spinner Rangana Herath as he missed a sweep shot. He spent more than seven hours at the crease, faced 331 balls and hit 20 fours and a six. He had a reprieve when he was caught behind off a no ball at 101 and survived a close appeal for a catch behind at 171.
Hafeez's prevoius best score was his 143 against Bangladesh.
Ali reached his century with a square cut to the boundary against seamer Nuwan Pradeep. He was unbeaten on 121 when rain stopped play 15 minutes before lunch, with Younis Khan on 14.
Ali faced 250 balls and hit seven fours.
Hafeez and Ali shared a record 287 run partnership, the best second-wicket stand by any team against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene surprised many on Saturday when he decided to bowl first on a placid Sinhalese Sports Club pitch that traditionally helps batting. Team's coach Graham Ford conceded that the decision was wrong as the bowlers toiled on an unresponsive pitch.
Pakistan opener Taufeeq Umar took advantage of good batting conditions and gave his team a good start with a 74-ball 65 including 12 boundaries. His opening partnership with Hafeez was worth 78 runs.
He was out caught behind by Prasanna Jayawardene to seamer Anjelo Mathews who returned best bowling figures 1-45.
