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Middle order batsman Misbah-ul- Haq scored an unbeaten half-century to help guide Pakistan to 168 for four at tea on the third day of the final test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Misbah shared an undefeated 101-run fifth-wicket partnership with former captain Shoaib Malik to frustrate Sri Lanka's bowlers and extend his team's lead to 234 runs, also raising their hopes of avoiding a series whitewash.

The slow-scoring afternoon session yielded just 82 runs in 27 overs, with Misbah unbeaten on 56 and Malik on 46 at the tea interval.

The partnership helped Pakistan recover after Sri Lanka had enjoyed a productive morning, taking three early wickets and looking on course to prevent the tourists from setting a substantial victory target.

Pakistan resumed the third day on 16-1 and were soon in trouble when Fawad Alam (16), Younus Khan (19) and Mohammad Yousuf (23) were all removed in the morning session for the addition of just 70 runs.

Left-arm paceman Thilan Thushara made the first breakthrough when he caught Alam off his own bowling with a short delivery to reduce Pakistan to 22-2.

Nuwan Kulasekara then trapped Younus lbw after replacing Thushara in the attack, although TV replays indicated that the Pakistan skipper had edged the ball onto his pads.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who bowled unchanged throughout the morning, was finally rewarded for his hard work when he had Yousuf caught behind in the final half hour before the break.

Sri Lanka were unable to make further inroads during the afternoon as Misbah and Malik played watchfully against some tight bowling, taking no risks as they slowly built on the Pakistan lead.

Sri Lanka lead the series 2-0 after wins in Galle and Colombo.