Pakistan, trailing Sri Lanka by 177 runs in the first innings, were one for 62 in their second knock at lunch on the third day of the second Test in Colombo.
Ahmed Shehzad (39) and Azhar Ali (14) put on 53 runs for the unbroken second wicket after Mohammad Hafeez was dismissed by Angelo Mathews for eight.
Sri Lanka, who resumed at their overnight score of 9-304 after Saturday’s delayed start due to bad weather, were dismissed for 315.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah finished with figures of six for 96.