Sri Lanka, who chose to bat after winning the toss, reached 3-133 at tea on the opening day of the third and final Test against Pakistan in Sharjah on Thursday.
At the break, Mahela Jayawardene was batting on 25 and with him Dinesh Chandimal had yet to score as Sri Lanka lost two crucial wickets in the post-lunch session.
Kumar Sangakkara made 52 before he fell to Junaid Khan.
Openers Kaushal Silva made 17 and Dimuth Karunaratne scored 34.
For Pakistan Junaid, Mohammad Talha and Abdul Rehman have claimed a wicket each.
Sri Lanka leads the three-match series 1-0 after winning the second Test in Dubai while the first Test in Abu Dhabi was drawn.