Pakistan were quickly finished off at the start of the third day of the third Test in Pallekele, but then made a significant dent in the Sri Lanka top order to tip the tie in their favour.
The tourists started the day at 209-9, but Imran Khan went for nothing as they added just six runs in two overs on Sunday morning to be bowled out for 215 to trail by 63 runs.
Sri Lanka made no effort to take the wicket of Sarfraz Ahmed, who ended on 78 not out, instead targeting Khan from the off.
The tactic paid off when Tharindu Kaushal snuck one past the bat of Khan to finish off the Pakistan innings and end with figures of 3-37.
A rain delay prevented Sri Lanka from starting their second innings, and when they did finally take to the crease, they were quickly undone by Pakistan's pace bowlers.
Rahat Ali skittled Dimuth Karunaratne with a full delivery in the seventh over, and Ehsan Adil struck shortly afterwards when he had Kaushal Silva caught by Misbah-ul-Haq at first slip to reduce Sri Lanka to 22-2.
Ali then picked up his second wicket of the innings when he bowled Lahiru Thirimanne for a duck, before rain again briefly stopped play.
It was only a short delay, however, and Sri Lanka were quickly back out, reaching 55-3 to lead by 118 runs at lunch.
