Pakistan's Azhar Ali defiantly scored his fourth test hundred but hosts Sri Lanka still scented victory in the third and final Test with the tourists leading by 188 in their second innings at the end of the fourth day yesterday.

Asad Shafiq, who shared a fifth wicket partnership of 100 with Azhar at the Pallekele Stadium, was unbeaten on 55 off 134 balls, having hit five fours, with Adnan Akmal to leave Pakistan on 299 for eight wickets at the close.

Rangana Herath was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers picking up 4 for 64 while Dilhara Fernando also picked up 3 wickets in the process crossing the 100 test wicket barrier.