Abu Dhabi: Taufeeq Umar hit a dogged, unbeaten 109 on Wednesday as Pakistan’s top order dominated against Sri Lanka on the second day of the opening Test, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Resuming on 27 without loss, Pakistan powered past Sri Lanka’s below-par first innings total of 197 to reach 259 for one 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 Mohammed 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 pair’s 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 without loss, 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 one for 55 off 35 overs.

Taufeeq and Azhar adopted a caution-first approach as they consolidated after the loss of Hafeez, adding just 59 runs in 30 overs in the second session.

Taufeeq reached his fifty, off 144 balls with three fours, as Herath helped Sri Lanka stall the run rate.