Pakistan lose openers after Sri Lanka post 222 in first Test

Galle: Pakistan reached 24 for two at stumps on day one in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 222 all out in the first Test on Saturday.

The visitors trail Sri Lanka by 198 runs with eight wickets in hand at Galle International Stadium.

Having elected to bat first, Sri Lanka's batting collapsed as they slumped to 133 for eight but the lower order fought back to enable them to get to 222 on a good batting surface.

Sri Lanka was in danger of being shot out for less than 150, but the last two wickets produced 89 runs to salvage some pride.

Dinesh Chandimal, who had a career-best 206 not out earlier this week to inspire Sri Lanka's innings and 39 run win over Australia, came to the team's rescue again by top scoring with 76. The former captain added 44 runs for the ninth wicket with Maheesh Theekshana.

The stand was broken when Chandimal was spectacularly caught by Yasir Shah off the bowling of Hasan Ali. Chandimal's 76 came in 115 deliveries with 10 fours and one six.

After Chandimal's dismissal, Theekshana added 45 runs with No. 11 Kasun

Rajitha.

Theekshana was last man dismissed when he was caught behind. He made 35 off 65 deliveries with four fours and a six. It was the No. 10's career-best score in first class

cricket.