Left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara claimed 5-87 as Sri Lanka seized a first innings lead of 73 over Pakistan on Sunday's fourth day of the third and final test at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan, 282-6 overnight, was led by captain Misbah-ul-Haq's 89 but was eventually bowled out for 340 on the stroke of lunch, short of matching Sri Lanka's first innings of 413.

Welegedara made early inroads when he dismissed Abdur Rehman (3) with the last ball of the day's first over. Rehman was squared up on the back foot and edged to second slip where Mahela Jayawardene fluffed the chance but first slip Tharanga Paranavitana was there to pouch the rebound.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who supported with 3-85, quickly claimed Umar Gul to a lofted catch to mid-off, reducing Pakistan to 289-8 and staring at a three-figure deficit.

But Misbah stretched his overnight 50 to within sight of a fourth test century, sharing a crucial ninth wicket stand of 47 with Saeed Ajmal (12 not out).

Misbah was dropped three times in the session, first by wicket-keeper Kaushal Silva off Herath when on 52, then two difficult catches to Angelo Mathews, on 53, and Paranavitana off Welegedara, on 66.

Misbah eventually perished to a top-edged sweep, giving off-spinner Suraj Randiv his first wicket in the innings. The right-hander struck seven fours and a six off 261 balls in five and a half hours.

Welegedara returned to mop up the innings and snare his maiden five-wicket haul in his 14th test. Last man Junaid Khan (0) had his off stump rattled by an outswinger from the 30-year-old.

Sri Lanka needs a victory to square the series.