Colombo: Pakistan began their tour of Sri Lanka the hard way as a defiant Sri Lanka Cricket XI ended at 278 for 3 on the first day of their three-day practice match. Lahiru Thirimanne and Chamara Kapugedera put on 170 for the third wicket on a rain-interrupted day at the Colts Cricket Club ground in Colombo.

SLC XI, who chose to bat, lost opener Tharanga Paranavitana with the score on 27. That brought in Thrimanne, who along with Upul Tharanga - who hit a half-century - added 78 for the second wicket.

Tharanga was dismissed by legspinner Danish Kaneria, and Paranavitana was joined by Kapudegera. The two feasted off an attack that included Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Aamer and Kaneria. Though Pakistan captain Younis Khan employed seven bowlers, they had little effect on the rampaging batsmen and at stumps the day's honours went to the home side.

Brief Score: SLC XI 278 for 3 (Thirimanne 116, Kapugedera 90*, Tharanga 50) v Pakistanis