Pakistan's top order crumbled as they were at 52-5 while chasing the 317-run target set by Sri Lanka on day four of the second Test in Dubai on Monday.
Sami Aslam got out early in the inning but Azhar Ali and Shan Masood looked to have things in control before Dilruwan Perera struck, taking 3 wickets for only 14 to bring Sri Lanka on the verge of series victory.
Babar Azam and Haris Sohail — promoted up the order — were the other batsmen to fall.
Pakistan have already lost the first of the two-match Test series. If they lose this, it will be their first loss in a Test series in UAE.
Earlier, part-timer Haris Sohail proved too much for the Sri Lankan tail as he took three wickets in his only over of the inning, giving away just one run. He became the first bowler ever to achieve the feat in Test cricket history.
Kusal Mendis, the highest scorer of the inning, scored 29 runs before being caught by Sarfraz. Sohail, earlier in the same over, took his partner Herath when their partnership looked dangerous for Pakistan.
Sri Lanka resumed their innings at 34-5 and scored some quick runs but last night's hero for Pakistan Wahab Riaz struck again as Dickwella was caught by Sarfraz for 21.
Perera went on a golden duck, lbw against Yasir Shah.
However, Sri Lanka still had a comfortable lead as Pakistan were all out for 262 in reply to Sri Lanka's first inning total of 482. Deciding to not enforce the follow-on, they came in to bat late Sunday only to face the wrath of Wahab — who had looked feeble and uncomfortable just a day earlier.
Mohammad Amir will not be bowling for Pakistan in the match owing to his injury. He will also not appear in ODIs where Usman Shinwari has been named as his replacement.
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