Taufeeq century gives Pakistan control in 1st Test

Taufeeq Umar hit a dogged, unbeaten 109 on Wednesday as Pakistans top order dominated against Sri Lanka on the second day of the opening cricket Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.Resuming on 27-0 Pakistan powered past Sri Lankas below-par first innings total of 197 to reach 259-1 at the close, already ahead by 62 and eyeing a formidable lead.Taufeeq ground out his sixth Test century off 259 balls, including seven fours. The 30-year-old left-hander, playing his 33rd Test match, cracked eight fours.Taufeeq shared successive century partnerships with Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali as Pakistan wore down an inexperienced visiting bowling attack.He put on a 118-run opening partnership with Hafeez, who stroked a fluent 75, including eight fours and a six, off 127 deliveries.Taufeeq and Azhar then added a further 141 unbroken for the second wicket. It was the pairs third century stand in just eight innings together.Azhar contributed an unbeaten 60, with five fours, off 176 balls in just under four hours.Hafeez had been the star of the morning session, powering past his half century as Taufeeq dug in.The pair went to lunch at 115-0 but were separated in the second over after the break.Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who bowled with good control but little luck throughout the day, got one to hurry on and trap Hafeez leg before wicket.Herath ended the day with figures of 1-55 off 35 overs.