Rain mars second Test as Pakistan take lead against Sri Lanka

Rain played spoilsport on Tuesday putting a stop to the game for the day, as the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was called off due to an extended period of downpour. 

"No play possible in the second session as bad weather continues to cause a delay," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Twitter. 

The rain halted Pakistan's charge after a 12-run lead against the hosts, forcing an early lunch during the morning session. 

The Green Caps were 178-2 when rain arrived in Colombo, with Abdullah Shafique batting on 87, and Babar Azam having scored 28 runs. 

Pakistan took control of the second Test after bundling out the hosts in two sessions for only 166 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Monday.

Babar-led side, who lead the two-match series 1-0, batted at a quick pace to further consolidate their position and ended the first day on 145-2.

Earlier, Sri Lanka didn't impress with the bat after captain Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and decided to bat first.

Naseem Shah (3-41) and Shaheen Afridi (1-44) dented Sri Lanka's top order as the home side slipped to 36-4.

Dhananjaya de Silva was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 57 but only two other teammates managed double digits.

Pakistan continued to do well in the field as Shan Masood ran out opener Nishan Madushka and tailender Prabath Jayasuriya with direct throws.

Pakistan scored at a quick rate when they came out to bat.

Opener Imam-ul-Haq scored six before being caught at gully but Shafique added a brisk 108-run partnership with Masood (51) to keep the visitors in control.

Asitha Fernando claimed his second wicket when Masood miscued a pull shot.