I have always learned from Babar Azam, says Abdullah Shafique

Pakistan's opening batsman has received praise from yet another cricketer and this time around, it is his teammate Abdullah Shafique.

The 22-year-old heaped praise on skipper Babar Azam and said that he has always learned from Pakistan's all-format captain.

"Babar is a wonderful batter and I have always learned from him. It was helpful to have Babar at the other end. He was guiding me throughout," said Abdullah while addressing the press.

Shafique and Babar both contributed and formed a 101-run partnership for the third wicket but Prabath Jayasuriya found the breakthrough before the close of play on Day 4.

The opener added that seeing Babar lose his wicket meant there was more pressure on him and he had to take responsibility.

"His wicket put more responsibility on me. I tried to not lose a wicket and help my team finish the day on a high note. Now, my target is to win this match for my team tomorrow," he concluded.

Pakistan needed 120 runs to win at the start of Day 5; Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique both survived the early dangers from Sri Lankan spinners and laid a strong foundation to help the Men in Green secure a comfortable position.