Mubarak 160 puts Sri Lanka in charge

Jehan Mubarak's 160 was the cornerstone of a strong batting performance by Sri Lanka A on the first day of their three-day game against Pakistan A in Dambulla. Mubarak was involved in three big partnerships as Sri Lanka piled on the runs at 4.61 an over after choosing to bat.

Pakistan's highly rated fast bowler Mohammad Talha struck in the first over, getting rid of Malinda Warnapura for 4. That brought Mubarak to the crease, and he wasn't dislodged till the final over of the day. He dominated a 74-run second-wicket stand with Lahiru Thirimanne, but the rest of his partners scored at a brisk pace.

Gihan Rupasinghe was the other star of the day, motoring along to 76 off 54 deliveries and took Sri Lanka to 232 for 3 before being dismissed. There was no respite for the Pakistan bowlers though as Mubarak and captain Kaushal Silva (48) guided the home side to an ominous 328 for 4.

Pakistan hit back late in the day as Wahab Riaz struck twice in an over, and Mubarak was removed by Azhar Ali to keep Sri Lanka to 371 for 7 at stumps.