ABU DHABI: Shan Masood and Sami Aslam struck half centuries before Sri Lanka's spinners hit back to keep Pakistan in check at 121-2 on the third day of the first Test in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Masood scored a patient 59 and Aslam made 51 as Pakistan set out to match Sri Lanka's first innings total of 419 on a Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch which has started to take some turn.

At the break Azhar Ali was unbeaten on five and Asad Shafiq on one as Pakistan still trail by 298 runs in the first innings.