Pakistan have progressed to 244-4 at lunch on day four of the second Test at Colombo to lead Sri Lanka by 67 runs.
Younes Khan was stopped short in his charge towards a half-century when he was caught behind by Dinesh Chandimal off the bowling of Angelo Mathews for 40.
Khan's replacement, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, was then trapped in front by Dhamika Prasad for 22 as Sri Lanka started to take key wickets.
However, the hosts could have made more of an impact on the Pakistan top order, but saw Azhar Ali dropped by Kumar Sangakkara at first slip.