Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: Dilruwan Perera and captain Angelo Mathews just missed centuries before Sri Lanka declared its first innings at a strong 428-9 against Pakistan on the second day of the decisive third test on Friday.
Pakistan was 19 without loss at stumps and was in a tight corner to level the series after losing the second test by nine wickets.
Perera made a brilliant 95 with 12 fours and two sixes in his test debut and Mathews was out for a more pedestrian 91 with five fours and a six to quash Pakistan hopes of restricting Sri Lanka after it resumed from 220-5 overnight.
"I couldn't get a hundred but it's an achievement considering I am playing against the two best spinners in the world," said 31-year-old Perera, who made his one-day international debut in 2007 but had to wait seven more years for his first test.
"I am still happy to get 95."
The Pakistan bowlers' agonizing day on a benign pitch offering little spin and no lateral movement for the fast bowlers, was summed up when Perera added 72 runs with Shaminda Eranga (25 not out) for the ninth wicket before a rare lapse of concentration in his just over five-hour knock saw him top edge Mohammad Talha (3-99), prompting the declaration soon after.
