Pakistan strengthened their position in the opening ICC World Test Championship contest against Sri Lanka, piling on the runs before making early inroads into the visitors' batting line-up on Day 2 in Rawalpindi.

Sri Lanka ended the day on 114/3, still trailing by 320 runs.

Resuming their first innings at 281/5 on Day 2, Pakistan continued to build on the strong platform established on the opening day, with contributions from the lower order helping them move past the 400-run mark.

Saud Shakeel added to his overnight progress before falling seven runs short of a century. The left-hander made 93 before Kusal Mendis took a fine catch off Asitha Fernando.

Ghazi Ghori also made a valuable contribution with a well-compiled 48, combining with Shaeel for a 96-run sixth-wicket partnership. However, his innings came to an end when he was caught off Dilshan Madushanka.

Arafat Minhas provided further impetus from No.9, producing an impressive 52 to help Pakistan reach a commanding total. The hosts eventually declared at 434/9.

Fernando and Madushanka were Sri Lanka's standout performers with the ball, claiming three wickets apiece, with figures of 3/107 and 3/108 respectively.

Sri Lanka got off to a disastrous start as Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan struck in quick succession, removing Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Dinesh Chandimal in the third and fourth overs respectively to leave the visitors reeling at 12/2.

Lahiru Udara attempted to steady the innings, scoring 42 and putting together a 53-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis. However, Saqib returned to dismiss the opener, who edged one through to Ghori behind the stumps.

Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva then provided much-needed resistance, adding 62 runs for the fourth wicket to keep Sri Lanka's innings moving.

Mendis remained unbeaten on 40, while de Silva was 22 not out when bad light brought an early end to proceedings on Day 2 in Rawalpindi.